A new gallery at the Science Museum will open this December bringing Mathematics to the fore by exploring how mathematicians and their ideas have helped to shape the modern world.
Mathematics: The David and Claudia Harding Gallery will be targeted towards Key Stage 3 students and will look into 400 years of mathematical history, from the Renaissance to the present day.
The gallery has been designed to alter students’ perception of the subject, which can often be seen as dry and complex.
Objects on view will range from hand-held mathematical instruments to a 1929 experimental aircraft.
The aircraft, which will hang suspended in the centre of the gallery, was designed to take off and land slowly and steeply without stalling. Students will learn how Maths, particularly aerodynamics and material stress, is embodied in the aircraft’s design.
Listen to what Science Museum director, Ian Blatchford, believes the display will be able to offer students and visitors:
The gallery design and architecture will also bring the subject to life. Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, the space has been created as a wind tunnel for the aircraft. Further mathematical concepts will be incorporated into other aspects of the gallery.
David Rooney, curator of the award winning Science Museum exhibition Codebreaker: Alan Turing’s Life and Legacy, will curate Mathematics: The David and Claudia Harding Gallery.
The display has been created as a result of a £5 million donation from David and Claudia Harding, the largest individual gift ever made to the Science Museum.
For more information or to make a booking call 020 7942 4777.
Photo credit: Zaha-Hadid-Architects.
