 Shanghai Kaleidoscope May 4, 2008 to November 2, 2008 Organized by the Institute for Contemporary Culture (ICC) at the ROM, Shanghai Kaleidoscope offers an unprecedented view of one of the world's most dynamic cities, highlighting an emerging generation of Chinese artists, architects, and fashion designers. Examining Shanghai as a laboratory for 21st-century urban creation, the exhibition brings together an adventurous mix of art and video installations, photo-works, designer fashion apparel and runway videos by the city's leading contemporary artists and designers. The exhibition will be presented in the Roloff Beny Gallery in the ROM’s Michael Lee-Chin Crystal. Exhibit Patrons: Cathay Pacific Airways Limited, Interbrand Canada Programming Collaborator: Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto The Black Star Sapphire of Queensland Discover the science surrounding the stunning Black Star of Queensland, one of the largest-known cut and polished star sapphires in the world. This is the first time this unique and extravagant gem is displayed in Canada and the first time anywhere in the world since 1969. The highlight of the exhibition will be the 733 carat “Black Star” surrounded by 35 brilliant cut diamonds. The exhibition will also look at the chemistry and structure of sapphires, how sapphires are formed in nature, where and how they are mined, and their significance in various cultures. Specific to the Black Star of Queensland, a section on asterism (an optical phenomenon in the shape of a star) will also be included. Until June 30, 2008, Samuel European Galleries, north, Level 3. Darwin This comprehensive exhibition explores the extraordinary life of Charles Darwin (1809-1882) whose curiosity, observations and discoveries nearly 150 years ago forever changed the perception of the origin of species and launched modern biological science. In addition to his theory of evolution, Darwin is known for his work as a botanist, geologist, and naturalist. From specimens of Galápagos finches to original manuscripts and notebooks, the exhibition, on display in the spacious new Garfield Weston Exhibition Hall in the Lee-Chin Crystal, is the broadest collection ever assembled on the life and work of Darwin. Beginning March 8, 2008 until August 4, 2008 This exhibition is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York, in collaboration with the Museum of Science, Boston; The Field Museum, Chicago; the Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, Canada; and the Natural History Museum, London, England Level Three Galleries: Shreyas and Mina Ajmera Gallery of Africa, Americas, and Asia Pacific Opening April 5, 2008 This triangular gallery covers 700 m2 (7,500 square feet) and creatively engages and connects through to the 1933 Hilary and Galen Weston Wing. The gallery presents the artistic and cultural traditions of indigenous peoples in four geographical areas: Africa, Asia-Pacific, Oceania, and Central and South America. This is the first permanent home for these collections in over 30 years, with many artifacts on display for the first time. Each object reveals an aspect of the everyday life, commerce, art or ritual of an indigenous people. Number of objects: Approximately 1,400 Level Four Galleries: Patricia Harris Gallery of Textiles and Costume Opening April 5, 2008 This 600 m2 (6,500 square foot) cathedral-like space with angular walls rises to approximately 13 m (43 feet). The gallery presents highlights from the ROM’s rich collection of 50,000 textile and costume artifacts, through displays of approximately 200 pieces dating from the 1st millennium BC to the 21st century, changed on a regular basis for the purposes of conservation. This is the last permanent collection gallery of the Lee-Chin Crystal to open to the public. Hours Daily 10 am – 5:30 pm, Friday 10 am – 9:30 pm 45 minutes prior to closing every day; admission is free, except for special exhibitions, Admission rates ROM Members: Free Adults: $20 Students with ID/Seniors: $17 Children (5 to 14): $14 Infants (4 & under): Free Half-Price Friday Nights, presented by Sun Life Financial (4:30 pm to 9:30 pm) Includes access to permanent galleries and feature exhibitions Note: Some events taking place on Friday nights may be ticketed (please check website for details) ROM Members: Free Adults: $10 Students with ID/Seniors: $8.50 Children (5 to 14): $7 Infants (4 & under): Free |
