21 May 07

The Pitt Rivers Museum and the Oxford University Museum of Natural History were displayed In a Different Light at a special late night opening on Saturday 19 May for a spectacular show enjoyed by 3,000 visitors.

At the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, lanterns shed a colourful glow over the exhibits. Visitors wandered amongst dinosaurs and admired wonders such as luminous scorpions and minerals. The Pitt Rivers was plunged into darkness and visitors shone their torches to reveal the secrets of the unlit cases. This was also the first time large numbers of visitors were welcomed into the Pitt Rivers' new extension where films and music continued the festive theme.

A truly global range of entertainment was provided: the highlight was the traditional masked dance sequence performed by Tibetan monks from the Tashi Lhunpo monastery, which is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama. The monks' performances included the Long Life Dance, the Dance of the Lord of Death, and the Black Hat Dance, before closing with the Shijoe, the traditional prayer of dedication to the environment.

There were also performances from local musicians playing traditional African instruments, and the Oxford Gamelan Society, playing music from Indonesia, also featured with traditional Javanese instruments.

Films were screened, including the 1930s classic Son of Kong, the sequel to King Kong, which was shown alongside features by young film-makers involved in projects with the Pitt Rivers museum.

Event organiser, Flora Bain, said: 'There was a wonderful atmosphere, it was fantastic to see so many people excited to be part of this celebration of the Museums and we really hope it will inspire people to return as visitors in the daylight!'