Spring has sprung, and with school holidays again fast approaching, September is shaping up to be another action-packed month at Otago Museum.
Whether you are interested in conservation, constellations, patterns, performances or volcanic catastrophes – we have something that is sure to entertain and enlighten.
Start by making your own tracking tunnel to discover what’s lurking in your backyard in our hands-on workshop and film screening, Creating Predator-Free Habitats this Saturday, 10 September.
On Saturday 17 September, discover the Museum’s tapa collection, Polynesian treasures and the Pacific Cultures gallery, and celebrate Dunedin’s vibrant Polynesian community through live performance – song, dance and music – all part of Creative Pasifika 2016. Numbers are limited for Tātai, so bookings are essential.
2016 Hochstetter Lecturer Colin Wilson outlines the ways in which insights into large explosive eruptions can be gained from field studies and analytical techniques in the Otago Institute talk – The Forensics of Volcanic Catastrophe: How to study large explosive eruptions on Thursday 22 September. That same evening, we have our Equinox Stargazing event. Enjoy a special look at the night sky at the equinox in the Perpetual Guardian Planetarium, followed by a stargazing field trip. Book now so you don’t miss out!
Speaking of the Planetarium, we have a new show – Invaders of Mars – launching Saturday 24 September. Join us under the dome to explore the alien landscapes of Mars using probes sent out on robotic missions from Earth, and learn what's next for the red planet.
Also available daily from 24 September is Terrapins’ Tucker Time – join us to feed our Tropical Forest terrapins, Daphne and Heidi, and learn all about their behaviour and ecology.
As well as the new Planetarium show, we have a calendar full of fun programmes and events to keep the whole family entertained during the school holidays – including Polynesia-themed makerspace activities, pop up science demonstrations, hands-on fabric colouring and pinhole camera workshops, and a Zoom in gallery trail.
With all of these, plus the Art and Space exhibition, our Discovery Squad school holiday programme, the Korowai weaving class, and a Royal Society of New Zealand talk – Big Steps Forward, the Otago Museum is definitely the place to be in September!
For a full list of What’s On click here.