Get hands on and explore the science and wonder of light through time

Picture caption: The Light Lab exhibition will be opening on 3 April 2015.



The science and wonder of light is to be revealed as part of a fascinating exhibition set to open at a Leeds museum in April 2015.



As part of ‘Light Lab’ which will be showcased at Leeds City Museum from 3 April - 21 June 2015, visitors will be able to explore in-depth how we have used and made light across the centuries. A number of key questions will be answered including how does light travel, and what happens when you mix different coloured light? In an exciting element of the exhibition you will also be able to play a key role in finding the answers by carrying out your own light-based experiments.



To guide you through the history of light, a range of objects and treasures from across the Leeds Museums and Galleries collection will be on display including beautiful paintings of gas-lit Leeds by artist John Atkinson Grimshaw to a Bronze Age lamp from Jericho and Javanese shadow puppets. Take the opportunity to turn your face upside down in a human kaleidoscope, try your hand at performing your own shadow puppet show and see how you can twist and turn your reflection on our mirror wall. Themes set to feature will be; lighting the home, light in nature, light in science and entertainment and the meaning and symbolism of light.



Held to coincide with the 2015 UNESCO International Year of Light, this exhibition which covers both the Easter and May half-term holidays, will include a family trail around the museum, a number of hands-on interactives and an exciting programme of free events that are perfect for both the family and people of all ages to enjoy.



Councillor Lucinda Yeadon, Leeds City Council’s executive member for digital and creative technologies, culture and skills, said:



"At Leeds Museums and Galleries we are always aiming to expand the range of events and activities that are on offer, and the arrival of the ‘Light Lab’ exhibition at the city museum promises to be something really special.



"The mysteries of light will be fully explored and brought to life through a range of fascinating displays that will be fun, occasionally strange but always educational!



"Open throughout the Easter and May half-term holidays don’t miss out on your chance to find out about the wonders of light at the fantastic and free Leeds City Museum."



Ruth Leach, exhibitions curator, Leeds Museums and Galleries said:



"We’re really excited about this latest family-friendly exhibition. It’s a great opportunity for us to showcase the real range of our collection, and to show people how important a role light plays in our everyday lives."



Full details of the exhibition will be available at www.leeds.gov.uk/LightLab with updates communicated using the #LightLab hashtag via Leeds Museums and Galleries’ social media accounts on Twitter (www.twitter.com/LeedsMuseums) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/LeedsMuseumsAndGalleries)

Notes to editors:



Leeds Museums & Galleries

Established in 1821, Leeds Museums & Galleries is the largest local authority-run museum service in England and has one of the larger and most significant multidisciplinary collections in the UK. We care for 1.3 million objects which we use to inspire, educate, entertain and challenge the people of Leeds and visitors to our city.



We run nine historic sites and visitor attractions, to which we welcome over 1 million visitors each year, approximately 25% of all museum visits across Yorkshire.



Leeds City Museum

Leeds City Museum is situated in one of Leeds' much loved civic buildings - the Leeds Institute building on Millennium Square. The Leeds Institute is one of the City's most important historic buildings and was completed in 1862 by Cuthbert Brodrick, who also built Leeds Town Hall and the Corn Exchange. From the middle of the last century until 2005 it also housed the Civic Theatre where amateur theatrical groups staged public performances. It has been home to the City Museum since 2008. The City Museum is the flagship site for the service, and is home to four floors of interactive and exciting galleries showcasing the story of Leeds, as well as the Leeds Mummy and our Designated Natural History collection. In 2013-14 we attracted over 320,000 visitors to our site.



Leeds City Museum is a free attraction located just up the steps on Millennium Square in Leeds city centre.

Admission free. Mondays closed (except bank holiday Mondays) -Please see website for opening times.

www.leeds.gov.uk/citymuseum

Millennium Square, Cookridge Street, Leeds, LS2 8BH.



For more information regarding the 2015 UNESCO International Year of Light, please see: http://www.light2015.org/Home.html



For media enquiries, please contact;

Colin Dickinson, Leeds City Council press office (0113) 39 51578

Email: colin.dickinson@leeds.gov.uk