Human Life, Centre for Life

May 30 2007 By The Evening Chronicle

Humans are the subject of a new exhibition at Centre for Life in Newcastle.

Human Life explores the story of humanity, from our origins through to our world today and onward into the future.

Each section uses hands-on exhibits and displays to explore questions such as what makes humans human, how humans survive in today's extreme environments and what climate change will mean for human life on Earth.

The exhibition is the result of a £4.5m investment and represents the Centre for Life's first major refurbishment since it opened in May 2000.

Andy Lloyd, who managed the design and build of the new exhibition, said: "With the Human Life exhibition we wanted to show how science and technology can affect one of our favourite topics - ourselves.

"The exhibition is a change of style for the centre. We've created welcoming spaces that you can spend more time in, and which will give you plenty to see and do on more than one occasion."

Spilt into three zones, the exhibition has been designed to appeal to visitors of all ages and uses the latest in interactive technology and exhibition design to ensure adults as well as children can benefit.

New activities on offer include an archaeological dig where visitors can learn how scientists find out about our origins, a section where tools used by some of our closest relatives can be tested, a similarities and differences corner examining how our DNA and genes make humans unique as well as what we share with other species, and even an opportunity to walk like a gorilla using a pair of giant ape knuckles.

The Centre for Life is open 10am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and 11am to 6pm on Sunday. Last admission is at 4pm. Admission prices are: adult £7.50; child £4.95; concessions £5.95 and a family ticket (two adults and two children) £22.

For more information call (0191) 243 8210 or click on www.life.org.uk