The exhibition explores Charles Darwin, the man, his travels, work, family life and the impact and legacy of his seminal publication On the Origin of Species. The story is told over 6 rooms on the second floor of Down House.
The design is inspired by Darwin’s work and the Victorian fascination with discovery and classification. Furniture-like structures with integrated cases, ‘pigeonholes’ containing open display objects and graphics are utilised throughout. Objects on display include the original Beagle note books and hand written texts from the Origin.
One visitor highlight is the Beagle Cabin. Painstakingly researched and faithfully realised, the cabin houses a digital Pepper’s Ghost of a young Darwin examining specimens. The cabin also acts as a case containing original artefacts.
A low tech interactive room enables visitors to explore the multiple theories that inform the Origin. With the exception of 3 mini AVs, the interactives employ technology available in Victorian England. Evoking end-of-the-pier arcades, the interactive room embraces quirky Victoriana.