The world comes to South London

The South Galleries at the Horniman Museums and Garden are being transformed with a new multimillion pound project to create a World Gallery, opening in June.

Asking: “What it means to be human”, the gallery will focus on anthropology with over 3,000 objects telling stories from ancient cultures to the present day.

With exhibits from the Americas, Africa, Oceania, Europe and Asia, ranging from the prow of a Libyan refugee boat rescued from the coast of Sicily to Chinese paper offerings to be used in the afterlife, many items will be unique to the UK’s museums.

The gallery continues 19th century founder Frederick Horniman’s vision to “bring the world to Forest Hill” and the museum has launched a crowdfunding campaign with backers being given exclusive updates and access, mentions online and in the museum, even personalised poems from the Horniman’s famous walrus. 

Donate at crowdfunder.co.uk/worldgallery

Have a gin-venture

There’s a new gin-themed experience for guests at Pale Hall in North Wales, with the chance to learn how the drink is made as well as how to forage for botanicals in the local area.

Created in partnership with Forager’s Gin, from the Snowdonia Distillery, and local expedition specialists RAW Adventures, the stay starts with cocktails made from Forager’s Black Label and Yellow Label Gin before collecting wild juniper berries, gorse and heather flowers from Mount Snowdon. The discover the art of distillation and gin tasting at the distillery itself.

There’s even a bottle of Forager’s Gin in the five-star hotel’s luxurious suite plus two dinners, including a tasting menu, at the restaurant.

A two-night stay costs from £1,642 for two guests, including accommodation in a suite, breakfast, dinner and activities.

palehall.co.uk

Lumiere London shines brighter

After seeing 1.3 million people attend the 2016 Lumiere London arts festival, organisers are planning a bigger and bolder programme for 2018. Running from January 18-21, the festival will be expanding to both sides of the Thames with more than 40 installations lighting up London’s streets.

Created by UK and international artists, the works will include illuminations at Westminster Abbey, the National Theatre, Chinatown, King’s Cross and Mayfair, as well as other buildings and public spaces designed to show the city’s sense of community and engage outer London boroughs as well.

For more information and to download the complete map, go to visitlondon.com/lumiere