Science Gallery nominated for European Museum of the Year 2010

Science Gallery has been nominated for the 2010 European Museum of the Year Award. The news comes in the week that Science Gallery celebrates its second birthday and prepares to open its eleventh exhibition – LOVE LAB: THE SCIENCE OF DESIRE.

Speaking about the announcement Science Gallery Director Michael John Gorman said “Science Gallery is a world first - a museum where science and art collide. Our aim from the start has been to transform curious minds through science. Our ten exhibitions – ranging from light, infection to fashion – have surprised and connected with our audiences. We are honoured to be nominated for this prestigious award and look forward to continuing to further developing this creative clash of science and art to a growing audience.”

The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Martin Cullen TD, whose Department provides funding to the Gallery, congratulated Science Gallery Director Michael John Gorman and staff on the nomination saying: “It is a wonderful achievement for such a young organisation to be recognised on the European stage. The public’s interest in the collaboration between science and art is clear as Science Gallery has firmly established itself as a leading cultural space with nearly half a million visitors in its first two years of operation. My Department is delighted to support this unique space, which showcases science, art and innovation.”

Science Gallery is preparing to launch its eleventh exhibition LOVE LAB: THE SCIENCE OF DESIRE on February 11th where members of the public will be asked to participate in research into love, attraction and desire undertaken by some of Ireland’s leading scientists, including Boyle Medal winner Professor Luke O’Neill. In addition to statutory funding including the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, Science Foundation Ireland and Discover Science and Engineering, Science Gallery is supported by two founding partners Ulster Bank and the Wellcome Trust, and its Science Circle: Dell, Google, ICON, Paccar, Pfizer/Wyeth. The Awards will be revealed at the annual European Museum Forum's conference in Tampere, Finland, at the end of May 2010.

ABOUT SCIENCE GALLERY Science Gallery is a world first - a new type of venue where science and art collides. Since opening in early 2008 nearly 500,000 people have visited Science Gallery. Science Gallery aims to involve, ignite and transform curious minds through science - creating dynamic intersections where science and art collide. Science Gallery activities include exhibitions on themes ranging from light to the science of fashion, public experiments, challenges, festivals, debates and workshops. Science Gallery is an initiative of Trinity College Dublin located in a cutting edge building on Pearse Street, Dublin. To find out more check out www.sciencegallery.com