Darwin Exhibitions and Public Programs 2009

2009 will commemorate two significant anniversaries of Charles Darwin’s life and work - the bicentenary of his birth and 150 years since the publication of On the Origin of Species - his controversial theory outlining the evolution of life-forms through the process of natural selection.

Darwin collected and studied plants throughout his life, and he spent his last forty years experimenting with plants in his home garden. His life’s work continues to inform our scientific research and inspire our education programs.

Hopefully our collective legacy will be to inspire a passion and appreciation for nature, fostering budding naturalists and the next generation of scientists.

Until 24 November

Charles Darwin and the Trees of Life

Visit the spectacular garden display and sculptural installation reflecting Charles Darwin’s contribution to our current understanding of the diversity and evolution of life.

When: 12 February to 24 November, 7 am to sunset every day
Where: Myrtales Bed, Royal Botanic Gardens (Click here to view map)

>> Click here to find out about the Darwin sculptural installation in the Royal Botanic Gardens

Until December

Darwin’s Drama

A drama education program for Years Five and Six, where children produce their own group performance of Darwin’s life and work.

When: Third and fourth school term, Mondays and Fridays
Where: Community Education, via Woolloomooloo Gate
Cost: $150 per lesson up to 25 students. $6 per extra student, maximum 30 per lesson.
Bookings: 9231 8134

>> Click here for more information about Darwin’s Drama

3 August-24 November

Darwin's Descendants: 200 years of scientific adventure

An exhibition showcasing the ongoing achievements of some of Darwin’s intellectual descendants - the Botanic Gardens Trust scientists. Objects and stories highlight modern expeditions of discovery and research inside the laboratories.

When: 3 August to 24 November, 10 am-4 pm weekdays
Where: Red Box Gallery, National Herbarium of NSW
Enquiries: 9231 8111

22 August

The Sky’s the Limit! Lecture and stargazing

Celebrate the 400th anniversary of Galileo’s Star Messenger by star-gazing in the Gardens. Join astronomer Prof Fred Watson and The Trust’s Dr Brett Summerell as they unlock Galileo’s and Darwin’s revolutionary discoveries.

When: 22 August 6 pm-9 pm
Where: Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney
Cost: $15
Bookings: 9231 8134

23 August

Science in the Gardens: Open Day

Come behind the scenes with tours of the NSW Herbarium and plant laboratories, as well as demonstration and workshops with Botanic Trust scientists and guided tours of the Gardens.

When: 23 August 10 am-4 pm
Where: Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney
Cost: Free for the whole family
Enquiries: 9231 8331

10 September, 10 October and 10 November

A Walk with Darwin in the Royal Botanic Gardens - Special interest walk

Plants have evolved to thrive in diverse and extreme environments. Explore some of their fascinating adaptations and cooperative evolutionary partnerships with animals and insects.

When: 10 September, 10 October and 10 November, 10-11.30 am
Where: Leaves from the Palm Grove Centre
Cost: $8 pp
Bookings: 9231 8134

Public lecture by Trust Scientist Dr Peter Weston

Follow this link to listen to Trust Scientist Peter Weston’s talk published on the Australian Academy of Science website: http://www.science.org.au/events/publiclectures/os/weston.htm

Interesting articles and links

>> Click here to view Uprooting Darwin's Tree
>> Click here to view The Years of Thinking Dangerously
>> Click here to view Professor Kevin Padian's article in Nature (451: 632-634, 2008)

Previous events

11 February

Dining with Darwin: Evolution and extinction, adaptation and climate change

Join compere Jennifer Byrne and a panel of experts for an evening of lively discussion and debate. This event is a partnership between the Botanic Gardens Trust and the Australian Museum.

When: 11 February, 6.30-10.30 pm
Where: The Pavilion, 1 Art Gallery Road
Cost: $150 pp incl three course dinner + wine
Bookings: 9320 6389

12 February

Happy Birthday Charles Darwin

Join Dr Tim Entwisle and scientists of the Botanic Gardens Trust for birthday cupcakes in celebration of the 200th anniversary of Darwin’s birth.

This event will also launch the Trust's new landscape installation reflecting Darwin’s contribution to our current understanding of biodiversity and the evolution of life.

When: 12 February 10.30 am
Where: Myrtales Bed, Royal Botanic Gardens (Click here to view map)
RSVP: 9231 8134

>> Click here to find out about the Darwin sculptural installation in the Royal Botanic Gardens

24 March

Darwin's Greenhouse: soot, steam and passion flowers

Author and lecturer Dr Jim Endersby explores Charles Darwin’s botanical research and its relation to industrialisation and empire.

When: 24 March 6-7.30 pm
Where: Maiden Theatre
Cost: $15 pp incl light refreshments
Bookings: 9231 8134

14-17 and 20-24 April

Charlie D and the Great Seed Mystery

Children aged 6-12 explore the Gardens to solve the mystery of seed dispersal, create seed transporters and play games with seeds in motion, guided by our experienced educators.

When: 14-17 and 20-24 April, 10.30 am-12 noon & 1.00-2.30 pm
Where: Community Education, via Woolloomooloo Gate
Cost: $15 pp
Bookings: 9231 8134