Press release WoW – Wonders of Wildlife 15th of October 2015 to 28th of August 20 10 months, 735m2, 10 scenes of dynamic taxidermy* and 3 related scientific themes to amaze and intrigue visitors . “The exhibition is a journey that leads the visitor from one display to the next. First we amaze them with the animals, then, once their curiosity is piqued, they can discover the exhibition’s scientific content. The taxidermic displays are compact and snapshot-like, they capture the essence of the action and extreme energy of wildlife.” Gérard Cobut, Head of Exhibitions at the Museum “Taxidermy extends the ‘life’ of an animal, in a way it gives it a second life.” Antonio Perez, WoW – Wonders of Wildlife Taxidermist Whether running, jumping or hunting, animals’ powerful movement is simultaneously extraordinary and completely natural. In this exhibition, animals seem to travel from one pasture to another, look for potential hazards and stampede at the least sign of danger… Prey or predator, alone or in groups, animals ‘spring’ into action with specular energy in scenes that would not be out of place in nature documentaries. The Museum is delighted to offer a different take on wildlife with real-life freeze-fames and spectacular panoramic scenes. You can imagine the animals’ muscles as they are tensed with effort, the harmony of their movements, and admire their carefully balanced positioning. These panoramas formed by an artist-taxidermist will set your pulse racing! Take in the tiger’s powerful stride, the ibexes’ impressive leaps and the wolf’s snarl like never before. This exceptional exhibition will take your breath away! To spark your curiosity, the Museum analyses the dynamic taxidermy with the help of videos, objects, and interactive activities. All this is set off by a dark, sleek display style**. We think that a few drops of animal behaviour, a dash of biomechanics and a pinch of habitat and species conservation is a real recipe for success. Key Words: movement, power and harmony This exhibition was co-produced by the Museum of Natural Sciences (Brussels) and the Parque de las Ciencias (Grenada), in collaboration with RTVE, Fundación Felix Rodriguez de la Fuente and Antonio Perez Audience: suitable for adults and children aged 8+ Average duration of the visit: 1- 2 hours Open to public from the 15th of October 2015 to the 28th of August 2016 _____________________________________________________________________________________________ *None of the 50 animals on display in “WoW – Wonders of Wildlife” were killed for the exhibition. The taxidermist worked in close partnership with circuses and a zoo. ** The lighting and furniture were entirely made in-house at Museum. They were specially designed to emphasise the taxidermic displays and to highlight their dynamism. Press Officers (please do not make public) Yannick Siebens: 02 627 43 77 – ysiebens@natuurwetenschappen.be Donatienne Boland : 02 627 41 21 - dona@sciencesnaturelles.be B. Practical Information Museum of Natural Sciences Rue Vautier 29 – 1000 Brussels info@naturalsciences.be www.naturalsciences.be Opening Hours Tuesday to Friday : 9.30am-5pm Saturday, Sunday and Belgian School Holidays (of at least a week) : 10am-6pm We are closed every Monday, the 25th of December, the 1st of January and the 1st of May. Access Our car park is small, please try to visit us using public transport. Metro : Lines 1 and 5 to Maelbeek Station or lines 2 and 6 to Trône station Train : to Bruxelles-Luxembourg Station Bus : The 34 and the 80 to Muséum bus stop, or the 38 or the 95 to Idalie bus stop A B-excursion ticket (train + entrance to the museum) is for sale in all train stations : n°490 for individuals, n°491 for school groups. Tarifs (access to permanent displays) Individual Visitors € 9.50 : adults € 8.50 : students, pensioners, Friends of the Institute and disabled people € 6 : young people (6 to 17 years old) Free : those with a museum subscription Groups (of at least 15 individuals)- Reservation is obligatory (for the visit and pick-nick area) :02 627 42 34 €8.50 : adults € 5.50 : young people (2 to 25 years old) Free -The first Wednesday of the month from 1pm (reservation not possible) - Children under the age of 6 (accompanied by parents) - Teachers who present a proof of profession - ICOM card holders - Those accompanying disabled visitors Taking photos and films is authorised without the use of a flash or a tripod, on the condition that these photos or films are for personal use only and that in doing so you do not disturb other visitors. Professional shooting is subject to a request made in advance, via the Press Department on this number only : 02 627 4 121 // 377.