To celebrate Charles Darwin’s two hundredth anniversary in 2009, the Natural History Museum will commission a new work of art for the ceiling of a gallery (currently Plant Power) in the Museum’s Central Hall.

Ten short listed artists, including former Turner Prize-winners Mark Wallinger and Rachel Whiteread, have spent three months researching ideas for a permanent artwork inspired by Charles Darwin’s ideas and their relevance today. During the summer months visitors will be able to see their initial sketches, drawings and mock-ups for all 10 proposals on display at the Museum.

The proposals will be judged by a panel of art critics and curators and their selected artist will be announced later in the year. The canopy will be unveiled on the two hundredth anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birth on 12 February 2009 as part of Darwin200, a national programme celebrating Charles Darwin’s ideas, impact and influence around the bicentenary of his birth. For more information visit www.darwin200.org

The project is supported by Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation. It is part of the Museum’s ongoing contemporary arts programme, enabling artists to develop their ideas through access to scientists and collections, complementing its world-leading scientific research.

Registration required:

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Free:

Yes