Science Gallery Nominated for European Museum of the Year Award

Posted on: 05 February 2010

Trinity College Dublin’s Science Gallery has been nominated for the 2010 European Museum of the Year Award.  Opened in 2008, the Science Gallery has welcomed more than 500,000 visitors, showcased ten exhibitions and established itself as the premier venue for exploring the cutting edge of science and technology research. 

Speaking about the announcement Science Gallery Director, Michael John Gorman, said: “Science Gallery is a world first – a museum where science and art collide.  Our aim from the start has been to transform curious minds through science.  Our exhibitions – ranging from light, infection to fashion – have surprised and connected with our audiences.  We are honoured to be nominated for this prestigious award and look forward to continuing to further developing this creative clash of science and art to a growing audience.”

The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Martin Cullen TD, congratulated Science Gallery staff on the nomination saying:  “It is a wonderful achievement for such a young organisation to be recognised on the European stage.  The public’s interest in the collaboration between science and art is clear as Science Gallery has firmly established itself as a leading cultural space.  My Department is delighted to support this unique space, which showcases science, art and innovation.”

Science Gallery is preparing to launch its latest exhibition, Love Lab: The Science Of Desire on February 11th where members of the public will be asked to participate in research into love, attraction and desire undertaken by some of Ireland’s leading scientists, including Boyle Medal winner and TCD academic, Professor of Biochemistry Luke O’Neill.

In addition to statutory funding including the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, Science Foundation Ireland and Discover Science and Engineering, Science Gallery is supported by some of the world’s leading technology and science companies through the Science Circle.  These include Dell, Google, ICON, Paccar and Phizer/Wyeth.  Science Gallery’s funding partners are Ulster Bank and the Wellcome Trust, and is an initiative of Trinity College Dublin.

The Awards will be revealed at the annual European Museum Forum’s conference in Tampere, Finland, at the end of May 2010.