AN EDWARDIAN murder mystery, a Venetian Masked Ball, an 18th century extravaganza and an Enchanted Garden- Edinburgh Museums & Galleries are presenting the programme of events to mark the national Festival of Museums this weekend.
Following the success of last year’s celebrations, Council venues will again play host to a variety of events which form part of a Europe-wide celebration of museums. Lauriston Castle – Edinburgh’s answer to Downton Abbey – is hosting a sell-out murder mystery event called “Death over Dinner” on Friday 18 May, and a Summer Venetian Masked Ball the following evening, with music from students of the City of Edinburgh Music School.
On Saturday 19 May the City Art Centre is hosting a day of creative workshops and tours around the theme of “The Enchanted Garden”, while on Sunday 20 May the newly refurbished Museum of Edinburghwill revisit the past with Crocant, Collops & Codsounds – an afternoon celebrating the music, food and costume of the 18th century.
Lauriston Castle will be hosting a murder mystery event
These events are part of a programme of over 90 day and night activities taking place across Scotlandas part of Festival of Museums.
Lynne Halfpenny, Head of Culture & Sport, said: “Our museums are a real treasure trove devoted to celebrating Edinburgh’s intriguing history. After last year’s excellent programme, our Festival of Museums weekend line-up yet again offers something for all the family to enjoy. It’s also the first opportunity people will have to discover the exciting changes at the Museum of Edinburgh following phase 1 of its refurbishment – don’t miss it!”
Joanne Orr, Chief Executive of Museums Galleries Scotland, said: “Festival of Museums is about igniting imaginations while celebrating Scotland’s wealth of culture. The festival’s real victory is the sheer variety of museums taking part the programme includes many events in the bigger museums as well as communities working together to offer a new experience at their local museum. This allows everyone to get involved and makes the weekend the perfect excuse to finally get around to enjoying a museum which you have been intending to visit or to simply pop in to your local for a bit of fun and inspiration.”
The Museum of Edinburgh now encompasses both Huntly House and neighbouring Acheson House, with a brand new entrance, a refreshed layout, improved shop and work to redevelop the gardens. In addition, an ambitious audiovisual exhibit charting Edinburgh’s history – Foundation: The Story of a City – will go on display in the coming weeks.
