A delighting and disgusting exhibition showcasing more than 160 artefacts of real brains opened last month at the Museum of Science and industry
Brains: The Mind as Matter opened on its first ever visit outside of London and features man brain-related artwork and manuscripts some of which have never before been displayed to the public.
It also features the work of the UK’s first female neurosurgeon, Mancunian Carys Bannister OBE, as the exhibition proudly shows that when it comes to brain research and treatment, Manchester has always been a head above the rest.
Professor Stuart Allan, from The University of Manchester, said: “We are pleased to be working with MOSI on this important exhibition.
“These artefacts reveal the ground-breaking work done on the brain here in Manchester and the exhibition provides a fantastic opportunity to share these stories with the wider public.
“Over the years the University has played a crucial role in training many world-leading scientists and medics and we hope this exhibition will inspire future generations, as well as highlighting to everyone the wonders of the human brain.”
The exhibit explores the mind through the ages: from an exhibit showing historical techniques of neurosurgery and a preserved Bronze Age skull, to infamous body-snatcher William Burke’s brain and videos showing work and research recently done.
And the work is far from over – Brains Curator Marius Kwint added: “The brain – or at least its importance – is very much a discovery of the modern age, and its exploration will keep us busy for decades to come.
“By showing how the fragile organ within our heads has been depicted and treated over the centuries, this exhibition takes us on an international journey through changing ideas, both beneficial and disastrous, about what makes us human.”
MOSI is open 10am-5pm daily, with free admission to the Brains: The Mind as Matter exhibition. It closes January 4 2014. Visit mosi.org.uk for more information.
Image courtesy of Euskalanato via Flickr, with thanks.
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