Exhibitions at Portland Basin Museum

At Portland Basin Museum we run a fantastic changing programme of exhibitions - so there's always something new to see!

Current Exhibition

       

            

      

IF you want to enter a world where things get decidedly curiouser and curiouser, as Alice in Wonderland put it, look no further than the “Cabinets of Curiosity” exhibition at Portland Basin Museum, Ashton.
 
It brings together some of the more unusual and quirky objects from the Tameside Council collections – many of which have never been on display before.
 
Come and see the fossil folklore display, eggs, shells and social history items, and marvel at the military curios. Some exhibits are on loan from the Royal Collection at Buckingham Palace.
 
Children can dress up as a Victorian explorer and make their own cabinet of curiosity in our “Be Curious” play area.
 
Cllr Leanne Feeley, Tameside Council’s lead member for heritage, said: “One of the main reasons we go into museums is because we’re curious, so what could satisfy that curiosity better than an exhibition like this. I can’t wait to visit and take a look at the many fascinating and off-the-wall exhibits on show.”
 
Cabinets of curiosities were historically notable collections of wonder which emerged in the 16th century. The contents were often related to natural history and art and may have included religious relics.
 
The “Cabinets of Curiosity” exhibition is open until March 29. Portland Basin Museum, Ashton, is open Tuesday to Sunday. www.tameside.gov.uk/museumsgalleries/portland