Arts

01 May 09

The Pitt Rivers Museum reopened to the public today after a star-studded reception last night.

The Pitt Rivers Museum following its ten-month refurbishment

The popular museum was closed for ten months to enable a remodeling of its entrance and improvements to its education facilities and environment.

The £1.5 million redevelopment allows visitors to appreciate afresh the significance of this extraordinary collection. In addition there are eight new case displays focusing on art and decorative techniques, including three new cases on Australian Aboriginal art.

At last night's reception to thank those who had funded the Pitt   Rivers redevelopment, Sir David Attenborough enthused about the unique qualities that attract so many visitors to the distinctive Museum.

The Vice Chancellor Dr John Hood opened the event by thanking the project funders, in particular Carole Souter of the Heritage Lottery Fund who had provided the opening gift of £1m.

Michael O'Hanlon, the Museum's Director, said: ‘It is wonderful to be back in business, with a restored entrance panorama, new displays, fresh education space and a queue outside even before the doors opened.  We are so lucky in having the generous support that we enjoy from such a wide range of individuals, trusts and foundations.’

Philip Pullman, Michael Palin and Anthony Pitt-Rivers – the great, great grandson of founder General Augustus Pitt Rivers – and his wife Valerie were amongst other distinguished guests present who enjoyed the new displays and the view from the new Clore Learning Balcony.

Entertainment was provided by Mr Fily Cissokho who played the kora whilst guests enjoyed a drinks and canapé reception throughout the evening.

Today visitors are encouraged to come along after work to a special extended opening until 7pm, with live traditional music and a chance to chat to staff and find out about the changes that have been made.

For families the popular Saturday afternoon Pitt Stop activities will be re-launched tomorrow (Saturday May 2), the new ‘back pack’ of family activities on May 3, and the Mouse trail, much loved by visitors young and old, on May 4.

For other visitors there is a selection of free gallery talks covering the new displays, the Museum’s history, tools and metalworking, as well as insiders’ tours of ‘favourite things’ led by the Friends of the Museum.