Let's talk about death

What do ancient Egyptians, Cantonese aunties, and people today all have in common?

We leave gifts, stories, and objects behind for those we love.

Death is universal, yet many of us rarely speak about it.

Drawing on ancient artefacts, natural history collections, and contemporary art, this after-hours museum experience will explore how different cultures have understood mortality, remembrance, ancestors, and the possibility of an afterlife.

Together, we will look closely at objects connected to mourning, immortalising, preservation, and care for the dead; think deeply about memory, loss, and legacy; and reflect on humanity’s oldest conversations.

Museums are full of dead things. That is why we invite you to join us to talk about death, and about being alive.