Late autumn and winter wouldn’t be the same without the Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition and outdoor Ice Rink.
The Waterhouse Gallery is now filled with amazing images of life under the sun, the moon, the stars, the rocks and water.
The Wildlife Photographer exhibition opened in October to one of the busiest weeks on record and big media attention following the 50th competition’s awards ceremony.
The winners were announced by Sir David Attenborough and HRH The Duchess of Cambridge at our glitzy event here.
Getting close to the back-lit photographs in the exhibition is the best way to appreciate the atmosphere and drama of each. There seem to be more creative images this year, moving ones too, which are really cool, so look out for these. And it's great to see more variety in the species photographed. Especially to find creatures like snakes, spiders and scorpions caught so enigmatically on camera. And there are, as usual, some glorious winter scenes to get us in the festive mood.
Snowbird, by Edwin Sahlin from Sweden, was a finalist in the 15-17 Years category. Edwin used cheese and sausages to coax the Siberian jay captured in this shot.
Outside the Museum, the winter wonderland is all-embracing as the Ice Rink comes alive with skaters whizzing around the rink's giant Christmas tree. All framed by 1000s of fairy lights shimmering on the towering plane trees. Year after year, passers by stop to take pictures of this magical sight.
Our Ice Rink is open late every night so you can swish about on the ice after hours. There are penguin helpers for those unsure on their feet (or blades), and for non-skaters there’s a great view (and plenty of refreshments) from the café bar.
This is one of the best seasonal delights of working at the Museum, seeing this sight every morning and evening on my way in and out of ‘the office’. But one I’m sad to say I’m going to miss out on in the future.
I am leaving the Museum for pastures new. I hope you’ve enjoyed my What’s new at the Museum blog over the years. And I’m sure others will bring you news of the many exciting things coming up in the months to come.
Over and out, Rose de Freitas, What’s new at the Museum blogger.
