A MOSI Revolution
Created with flickr slideshow from softsea.
A thrilling addition to Manchester’s thriving culture met the public eye for the very first time on 29th January 2011. Bringing both a creative and inspiring start to the New Year, Manchester’s MOSI have finally unveiled the £9 million renovation they have been so intently working on. The project sees the old Main Hall transformed and re-named Great Western Warehouse, (in homage to its former life as a railway warehouse for Liverpool Road station). It brings with it the entirely new Revolution gallery as well as updates to the long-time family favourite Experiment!
Revolution is a crucial step forward for the museum. One which both MOSI’s own Director Tony Hill and celebrated scientist Professor Brian Cox, have agreed spells the beginning of a new push to nurture Manchester’s next generation of scientists and engineers. It is an attractive doorway into science and industry, with awe inducing features designed to stick in the mind long after you’ve left. Most of us are vaguely aware of Manchester’s prestigious name when it comes to its contribution to world science. But this gallery delivers it all in one package and stands as a firm accolade to Manchester’s remarkable history of achievements and “world firsts.” The space works as an introductory “taster” or synopsis of the museum which heretofore lacked a cohesive structure. In circular formation are six interactive display units: Computing, Science, Engineering, Energy, Transport and Industry each covering the museums key exhibits.
When taking your first steps through Revolution Manchester, dominating the scene and instantaneously gripping the eyes are four unique centre pieces. Look overhead and you’re greeted with an extraordinary sight. Manchester’s very own ‘digital chandelier’ brings aesthetic wonder to the gallery, but like everything else in this museum it is not just for show. An individualised bar-code system offers the opportunity for a personal photo shoot that will see your own face displayed on one of the multitude of screens that make up this impressive structure!
Equally as eye-catching is the delicately crafted Avro Type F, the world’s first enclosed cabin aircraft. This replica looms suspended from the roof mid-flight and was built by a team of MOSI volunteers. It includes special hands-on wind-warping functions and visitors can take over the controls and test run the model in an exhilarating flight simulation game.
Dramatically situated across the centre of the room is the UK’s largest video wall and to the side sits ‘Baby’, a magnificent reconstruction of the world’s first stored-program computer. Amazingly when re-building her the team had to make do with a magnifying glass to scrutinize old pictures of ‘Baby’, as no original plans remained! If you’ve not satisfied yourself with simply looking at the intricacies of this pioneering design there’s more to do here. You can have a go at sending your own randomly generated love letter via an Ipad. The program used is similar to the one that generated the famously strange love letters on the old Ferranti Mark 1 model!
There are spectacles to be rooted out in every corner. For instance it is astounding to learn in ‘Cottonopolis’ that the nose cones of the Concord aircraft were woven by a Jacquard Loom in much the same way as cloth. This is so remarkable as the Jacquard loom is instantly recognisable as a relic of the past, (looking as if it has leapt straight out of old school history textbooks), and yet it still has its place in modern industry! Whilst over at the ‘Structure of Matter’ section you can come face to face with a baffling machine that specialises in measuring a chemical compound. The fascinating thing about this machinery is that it is used in everything from crime-solving to medicine, and can even determine the composition of an atmosphere!
Tony Hill hopes that Revolution Manchester will mark the beginning of a new era for MOSI at the forefront of world science. He said that the new project is about “utilising intellect to create and innovate, to change the world,” and that it “challenges the perception of what a museum is.” It certainly makes science personal and relevant to the individual, referring often to the exciting technology we are familiar with at home. The gallery also has strong ties with the outside world, as the video wall is set to feature current ‘hot topics’ in the world of science. Revolution brings MOSI right up to date and will reach out to millions of adults and children alike. It not only showcases past achievements, it also looks towards the future. And through its creativity and collection of truly striking material demonstrates just what is possible.
Article by freelance writer and Go See This contributor Becky Owens.
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