Welcome to the award-winning Horniman, founded by Victorian tea trader Frederick Horniman in 1901, the Horniman is where you can discover the natural and cultural world:

Temporary Exhibitions

The Robot Zoo Until Sun 8 Nov 2009

Enter this amazing world of robotic creatures and discover mind-boggling facts about animals that share our world. These animal robots and hands-on interactives show fascinating real life characteristics, such as how a chameleon changes colour and how a giant squid jets around. Learn about powerful springs that launch a grasshopper into the air and how a bat locates prey in the dark using special equipment.

Models show the animals’ insides as a host of familiar machine parts and gadgets, such as shock absorbers and pumps, which demonstrate mechanisms that make animals work. This blockbuster show is in the UK for the first time and provides fantastic hands-on fun for the whole family.

Temporary Exhibition Gallery

Adults £5, Concs £3, Children £2.50, Children under 3 FREE

Family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) £13

Schools (pre-booked) £2 per person

Schools (not pre-booked) £2.50 per person

Family season ticket £26

Online booking available

Wycinanki: The Art of Polish Paper Cuts. Until Sun 27 Sept 2009

Explore the art of wycinanki, the traditional Polish folk art of cutting paper in this stunning exhibition. Wycinanki was traditionally used by Polish farmers to decorate their cottages and often depicted scenes from daily life, such as weddings or holidays. This beautiful art form is still popular and widely practised in two regions of Poland, Kurpie and ?owicz.

Balcony Gallery Free admission

China: Symbols In Silk. Until Sun 25 Oct 2009

This beautiful exhibition features historic textiles including silk objects, from embroidered robes to exquisite shoes, as well as altar pieces and a figure of the Buddha Sakyamuni.

Balcony Gallery Free admission

Sound Designs. Until Sun 1 Nov 2009

Fascinating drawings of musical instruments from the Horniman’s Boosey and Hawkes archive. The drawings provide an insight into the technical innovations that established Boosey and Hawkes as one of the premier instrument manufacturers.

Gallery Square Free admission

Medicinal Garden. Until Sun 30 Aug 2010

Have you ever taken Echinacea to help prevent a cold, used Eucalyptus to unblock a stuffy nose or used witch Hazel for a skin complaint? Come and visit our new garden display to see these and many other plants with healing properties for different parts of the body.

Gardens Free admission

Nature as Designer. Sat 3 Oct 2009 – Sun 10 May 2010

Nature acts as an inspiration for artists and designers. This unusual exhibition combines photography, design and nature and includes beautiful large scale photographic images of objects displayed in unexpected and truly inventive ways.

Balcony Gallery Free admission

Fabric of a Nation Sat 28 Nov 2009 – Sun 28 Feb 2010

Fabric of a Nation focuses on the role of printed cloths and their designs as an expression of cultural, social and political identity in modern Ghana, cutting across ethnic and language differences. This exhibition reveals that these beautiful fabrics play an integral role in many aspects of daily life such as ceremonies, politics and religion.

Balcony Gallery Free admission

Darwin 200 Photographic Competition: Exploring and Investigating Nature Fri 20 Nov 2009 – Sun 11April 2010

Darwin’s spirit of exploration and investigation has inspired people of all ages to capture the beauty of nature. This exhibition of stunning photographs shows the winning entries selected by our panel of judges.

Gallery Square Free admission

Thursday Lates

Experience a different view of the Horniman with our programme of late-night cultural events for adults, typically held on the last Thursday of each month.

Hothouse - theatre performance by TeatroVivo. Tues 15,Thurs 17 Sept

Performance 7.30pm and Workshop 8.30pm

Welcome to the Hothouse - the most enchanting bar in town. Including live musicians, actors and dancers in a fantastical performance, with adult themes. Free post-show

beginners tango lesson included in ticket price.

Conservatory

Tickets: £10 including glass of wine, £8 without, £5 concs

Book online www.teatrovivo.co.uk or email info@teatrovivo.co.uk

Hands On Africa for Adults. Thurs 29 Oct 7– 8pm

Find out about African cultural heritage and handle objects from the continent in the Horniman’s Hands On Base.

Hands On Base Free admission

Fabric of a Nation Revealed. Thurs 26 Nov 7– 8pm

Join Helen Wolf from The British Museum and find out more about west African textiles and the important role they play in many aspects of daily life. Enjoy an opportunity to view our new exhibition Fabric of a Nation: Textiles and Identity in Modern Ghana.

Music Gallery Performance Space Free admission

Please book in advance by emailing marketing@horniman.ac.uk or call 020 8699 1872 ext 196.

Treasured Traditions from Europe

Join us for a series of free performances that feature the vocal and instrumental music of south eastern and central Europe.

Matthaios Tsahourides - the Pontic lyra Sun 13 Sept 3–4pm

The sound of the bowed strings of the Pontic lyra is always associated with the music of the Greek communities from the historical Pontus region of the Black Sea. Dr Matthaios Tsahourides will also demonstrate the Greek lutes, laughto and bouzouki.

Monooka and friends. Sun 20 Sept 3–4pm

The accordion and clarinet mix with flutes from Romania, in a programme led by a talented singer, who will present vocal music including doine from Banat,Transylvania and Moldavia, and her own melodies that draw on traditional genres.

Dessislava Stefanova – Bulgarian Voices. Sun 27 Sept 3–4pm

This acclaimed Bulgarian singer leads a trio of female voices, the Dessibelles. Her concert also features music for the Bulgarian gaida bagpipe and kaval end-blown flute.

Giewont - Music of the Górale Mountaineers. Sun 4 Oct 3– 4pm

This ensemble, with violinists Krzysztof and Micha? ?wizewicz, will explore the special musical forms and rhythms associated with the Podhale region in Poland's Tatra mountains. Many artists have found inspiration here, among them the composer Karol Szymanowski.

Conservatory Free admission

Booking not required, places are limited - please arrive early to ensure a seat.

Special Events

Behind the Scenes of Natural History. Sun 20 Sept 2 – 3pm and 3.30 – 4.30pm

Get up close and personal with some of our rarely-seen Natural History specimens and learn about the architecture of the Gallery with Jo Hatton, our Keeper of Natural History.

Natural History Gallery Free admission

Open to all. Please book in advance by emailing

marketing@horniman.ac.uk or call 020 8699 1872 ext 196.

Curator Talks and Object Handling. 2.30 – 4pm

Horniman curators continue a series of illuminating monthly talks, drawing upon the collections. Each hour-long talk is followed by an opportunity to explore the Hands On Base.

Bali. Wed 16 Sept

Fiona Kerlogue, Deputy Keeper of Anthropology, shares her research on dance and drama in Bali.

Identities. Wed 14 Oct

Wayne Modest, Keeper of Anthropology, shares recent work on dress, the body and identities.

Inspiring Science. Wed 11 Nov

Paolo Viscardi, Deputy Keeper of Natural History, explores how the 150th anniversary of The Origin of Species prompts us to question how science has inspired society and how society inspires science.

Hands On Base Free admission

Most suitable for adults. Please book in advance by emailing communityed@horniman.ac.uk or by calling 020 8291 8690.

Nature Trail Discovery. Wed 28 Oct 2 – 3.30pm

Join Jim Murphy from the Trust for Urban Ecology and discover an environment of insects, animals, birds, trees, plants and amphibians preparing for the autumn and winter months.

Nature Trail Free admission

Everyone welcome. Children must be aged 3+ and accompanied by an adult. Tickets available half an hour before the session from the Information Desk. Limited spaces.

Nature in Focus: Hibernation. Fri 30 Oct 11.30am – 4pm

Find out about animal hibernation and how you can help animals prepare for winter, with Jo Hatton, Keeper of Natural History.

Natural History Gallery, Nature Base Free admission

Everyone welcome. Drop in.

Halloween Walk with Mr Horniman. Fri 30 Oct 5.30–6.15pm and 6.30 – 7.15pm

Join Mr Horniman for a spooky walk through the Gardens with frightening stories galore from around the world.

Gardens £3 Adults, children free

For families with children aged 3+. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Limited spaces.

Book in advance.

The Big Draw. Sat 10 Oct 1.30 –3.30 pm

Be inspired by the beautiful and exotic plants in the Horniman Gardens. Design your own flowers, either real or imaginary, then make them using colourful wire and pipe-cleaners.

Education Centre Free admission

Everyone welcome. For all ages. Drop in. Limited spaces.

Minibeast Workshop. Mon 26 Oct 11.30am – 12.15pm and 1 – 1.45pm

Join animal expert Andrew Smith for a special workshop exploring the fascinating ways we identify and group animals.

Gallery Square Free admission

British Sign Language Day. Sat 14 Nov 10.30am – 5.30pm

Explore the Museum with BSL-led activities and displays.

Free admission

Everyone welcome. Contact Community Learning if you would like to be involved or know more: email communityed@horniman.ac.uk, text 07542 607520 or call 020 8291 8690.

London Consort of Winds. Sun 22 Nov 1 – 4pm

Celebrate a medley of music from this popular ensemble.

Gallery Square Free admission

Everyone welcome.

Nzinga Dance Ensemble Concert. Sun 29 Nov 3– 4pm

Move your feet to rhythms from Africa and the Caribbean.

Gallery Square Free admission

Everyone welcome.

Christmas Science Show. Sat 5 Dec 11.45am, 1.30pm and 3pm

Join us for a Horniman revival – a special Christmas event for families. This fun

interactive show will investigate the seasonal science behind Christmas.

Education Centre Free admission

For families with children aged 5+. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Drop in.

Raise the Roof Concert. Sun 6 Dec 2.30 – 3.30pm

Enjoy songs from around the world with the Raise the Roof Choir.

Gallery Square Free admission

Christmas Carol Concert. Sun 13 Dec 3– 6pm

Join us for this fun festive carol concert in the picturesque setting of our award-winning Gardens. Enjoy performances from the English Baroque Choir and the Crystal Palace Band, carols, hot-roasted chestnuts, toy stalls, hot and cold refreshments and a free Santa’s grotto.

Bandstand in the Gardens Free admissio

Children’s and Family Activities

Family Art Fun. Mon 26, Tues 27,Wed 28,Thurs 29, Fri 30 Oct 11.30am– 3.30pm

Join us in the school holidays for creative drop-in sessions. Create owl masks and ghostly string puppets for Halloween.

Education Centre Free admission

For families with children aged 3+. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Drop in. Queuing may be necessary. Last entry 2.45pm.

Make and Create. Every Sat from 26 Sept – 12 Dec. 1.30 – 2.15pm and 2.45 – 3.30pm

Celebrate festivals and the changing seasons through art and craft each weekend.

Make Diwali decorations, sugar skulls for Day of the Dead, join us for the Big Draw, and get creative for Hannukah, Christmas and Kwanzaa. Visit www.horniman.ac.uk for detailed information about individual sessions as some are repeated.

Education Centre Free admission

For families with children aged 3+. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets available half an hour before the session from the Information Desk. Limited spaces.

Busy Bees Every Wed from 2 Sept – 16 Dec, Every Fri from 4 Sept – 11 Dec 10.30am, 11.15am and 12pm

Fun sessions for Under 5s and their carers discovering the Museum. Creative play, enchanting stories from around the world, Museum objects and simple craft activities, changing every week.

Hands On Base/Education Centre/Dutch Barn Free admission

For families with children aged under 5. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets available from the Information Desk at 10.30am and 11.30am. Limited spaces.

Family Storytelling -Tales from the Galleries. Every Sat from 5 Sept – 19 Dec 2.15 – 3pm and 3.30 – 4pm

Our collections and Gardens come alive with enchanting stories from around the world.

Free admission

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Drop in. Check at the Information Desk for the location of the session.

Bug Behaviour and Welly Walk. Sun 13, Sat 19 Sept 2 – 3.30 pm

Investigate bug behaviour and find them in the wild in the Gardens and Nature Trail. Dutch Barn, Gardens, Nature Trail

Children must be 8+ and accompanied by an adult. Tickets available half an hour before the session from the Information Desk. Limited spaces. Welly walk is weather dependent.

Family Tours with Miss Horniman. Mon 26, Fri 30 Oct 11am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm

Find out what Miss Horniman thinks of her father’s Museum.

Free admission

Everyone welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult. Drop in. Check at the Information Desk for the location of the session.

Nature Explorers. Tues 27,Thurs 29 Oct 11am–12pm, 1–2pm and 2.20–3.30pm

Explore the natural environment with fun-filled activities inspired by our Gardens and Nature Trail. Visit www.horniman.ac.uk for detailed information about individual sessions.

Education Centre/Gardens Free admission

For families with children aged 5+.Tickets available half an hour before the session from the Information Desk. Limited spaces.

Hands On. Every Saturday from 5 Sept – 12 Dec 11–11.45am and 12.15 – 1pm and Every Sunday from 6 Sept – 13 Dec 2 – 2.45pm and 3.15 –4pm

Touch real objects from all over the world in these family sessions. Explore animals, toys, puppets, music, costume and much more in themed workshops using our amazing handling collection. Please visit www.horniman.ac.uk for detailed information about individual sessions and additional Saturday afternoon sessions.

Hands On Base Free admission

For families with children aged 3+. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets available half an hour before the session from the InformationDesk. Limited spaces.

Discovery For All

Sat 12, 26 Sept; 10, 24 Oct; 14, 28 Nov; 12 Dec, Mon 26 –Thurs 29 Oct 2–3.30pm

How sharp are shark’s teeth? How do you wear a sari? Have you ever played aWest African thumb piano, balanced a gourd on your head or stroked a badger? Explore thousands of real objects from around the world in these special sessions.

Hands On Base Free admission

Everyone welcome. Children must be aged 3+ and accompanied by an adult. Drop in, some queuing may be necessary.

Children’s Courses

African Drumming for Children aged 5–12

Every Sun from 27 Sept (except 25 Oct) 11– 11.30am

With Nzinga Dance Ensemble.

Education Centre £25 10 sessions

For enquiries and bookings contact Nzinga Dance on 020 8314 5498, email nzingadance@aol.com or by post to PO Box 36992, London SE6 4WH.

After School Art Club: Sounds Great!

Every Fri from 25 Sept 4 – 5.15pm

Make and decorate your own fantastic musical instruments, inspired by our collections from around the world.

Education Centre £15 5 sessions

After School Art Club: Nature Shapes

Every Fri from 6 Nov 4 – 5.15pm

Be inspired by our Nature as Designer exhibition and create your own beautiful artwork using light sensitive paper, plaster casting, printing and more.

Education Centre £15 5 sessions

For both of the above courses children must be aged 8+ and do not need to be accompanied by an adult during the session. Book in advance.

Adult Courses

Raise the Roof

Every Tues from 22 Sept or everyThurs from 24 Sept

(except 27 or 29 Oct) 7 – 9pm

Everyone is welcome – all you need are vocal chords! Come and join in and sing songs from jazz to gospel, from old crooners to contemporary pop.

African Worlds Gallery £50 10 sessions

Music Appreciation with Michael Spencer

Every Thurs from 24 Sept (except 29 Oct) 2.30–4.30pm

Enjoy this opportunity to find out more about western classical music traditions from the Middle Ages to modern times, through the expertise of tutor Michael Spencer.

Education Centre £50 10 sessions

Learn the Art of Iyengar Yoga

Every Sat from 26 Sept (except 31 Oct) 10.30am–12pm

Improve your physical fitness, posture, flexibility, strength and sense of poise. Join qualified teachers Roberto Silva and Grazia Farina for this beginners class and learn the art of Iyengar yoga.

Music Gallery Performance Space £60 10 sessions

Prior to confirmation of your booking, you must contact the tutors to discuss your individual health and fitness needs on 020 8699 3194 or yogafh@hotmail.co.uk Book all the above course in advance.

Art for All: Still Life

Every Sat from 26 Sept 10.30am– 12.30pm

Explore still life through drawing and painting, using the Museum’s vibrant collection for inspiration. Focus on a different element each week in this friendly and supportive course suitable for beginners.

Education Centre £35 5 sessions

Book in advance.

African Drumming: Beginners

Every Sun from 27 Sept (except 25 Oct)

11.30am– 12.30pm

With Nzinga Dance Ensemble.

Education Centre £55/£35 concs 10 sessions

African Drumming: Intermediates

Every Sun from 27 Sept (except 25 Oct)

12.30–1.30pm

With Nzinga Dance Ensemble.

Education Centre £55/£35 concs 10 sessions

African Dance: Beginners and Improvers

Every Sun from 27 Sept (except 25 Oct)

1.45 – 3pm

With Nzinga Dance Ensemble.

Education Centre £55/£35 concs 10 sessions

For enquiries and bookings contact Nzinga Dance on 020 8314 5498, email nzingadance@aol.com or by post to PO Box 36992, London SE6 4WH.

Salsa with Mandacaru Dance Theatre

EveryTues from 22 Sept (except 27 Oct) 6.30–7.30pm

“…uno, dos, tres, un pasito para tras”. An opportunity for beginners and improvers alike to learn the technique of this vibrant and contagious dance.

Gallery Square £50 10 sessions

Tango Argentina with Mandacaru Dance Theatre

EveryTues from 22 Sept (except 27 Oct) 7.45 – 8.45pm

The decadent music and intricate moves of this dance will transport you to the nightlife of Buenos Aires.

Gallery Square £50 10 sessions

Book the above courses in advance.

Art for All: Portrait

Every Sat from 31 Oct 10.30am– 12.30pm

Investigate portraiture using a variety of techniques with a focus on drawing and portraits. Explore a different element each week in this friendly and supportive course suitable for beginners.

Education Centre £35 5 sessions

Indian Classical Dance Workshop

Sat 31 Oct 11am– 4pm

A unique opportunity to learn basic dance movements and rhythms, hand gestures, the

stories behind the dances and Indian mythology from dancer and choreographer, Menaka PP Bora. No dance experience necessary.

Music Gallery Performance Space £20

Book in advance.

Public Information

Opening hours: 10.30am – 5.30pm
Free Admission to the Museum and Gardens.
All exhibitions and activities are free unless otherwise stated.
Telephone: 020 8699 1872
www.horniman.ac.uk
National Rail: Forest Hill
Bus routes: 176, 185, 312, 356, P4
Access: The Museum and the Gardens are both wheelchair and pushchair friendly with accessible toilets. Limited on-site parking is available for disabled visitors – call 020 8699 1872.