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Be enchanted by Unicorn (30 March – 22 September 2024), the debut exhibition at the new Perth Museum exploring the story of Scotland’s national animal. Explore the rich significance of this beloved mythical creature from antiquity to the present day, through art, science, social movements, and popular culture. Across four themed galleries, discover the unicorn’s enduring presence throughout history and its role as a symbol of Scotland’s changing heritage and identity, through iconic loans from around the world, interactive displays, and seven newly-commissioned artworks exploring the unicorn as a modern symbol of the LGBTQI+ community.
From Pliny to Pride, the Unicorn has been an enduring yet enigmatic symbol throughout the ages; a component of medieval medicine, an emblem of Scottish royalty, a beloved children’s character, and an icon of the LGBTQI+ community, just to name a few.
Star loans include the magical ‘Danny Jewel’, an English Elizabethan pendant jewel of narwhal horn and enamelled gold, usually on display at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London; a 700-year-old, 2.5 metre-long narwhal tusk from the Wellcome Collection; and the renowned Lady and the Unicorn oil painting by the late-Renaissance Italian artist, Luca Longhi (1507-1580), on display in the UK for the first time.
Alongside spectacular and historical loans from prestigious UK and international collections, there will also be objects and stories of personal significance from the local community. From ornaments and images to memorabilia and toys, the display will highlight the continuous power of this symbol in contemporary culture. There is still time to submit an object for this project at Perth Art Gallery or one of the participating libraries across Perth & Kinross.
The exhibition will also feature various activities and events for children, young people, and adults, generously supported by the Northwood Trust.
The Trojan Unicorn has been designed by Becky Minto (designer), Scott Bisset (build and design) and Kate Bonney (lighting designer).
Tickets are available to book now online via Perthshire Box Office
