Ralph Appelbaum Associates (RAA), a multidisciplinary firm specialising in the planning and design of museums, exhibits, educational environments and visitor attractions, has unveiled its design for the UK’s first-ever major exhibition focussing on the story behind Stonehenge.
This special exhibition, “World of Stonehenge”, is now open at the British Museum in London, UK. It focuses on the site’s original purpose, the people that created it and its cultural relevance today.
RAA uncovers a number of cyclical connections through its exhibition design, with highlights on various landscapes and the cosmos. Visitors, much like those who visit the Wiltshire monument, will embark on a pilgrimage through the complex beliefs that resulted in the creation of Stonehenge.
From the entry point to the exit, each exhibition component has been designed to capture a sense of the changing landscapes of the Stonehenge era, including the materials, colours, graphics and audio-visual media. The lighting and orchestration of these elements help reveal the cyclicality of nature, and space to reflect on this quintessential piece of British heritage.
Metal and wood relics
Amongst the exhibits on display are stone axes from the North Italian Alps, enchanting gold jewellery and outstanding examples of early metalwork such as the Nebra Sky Disc, a map of the stars, and the oldest of its form to be discovered.
A significantly preserved 4,000-year-old timber circle nicknamed ‘Seahenge’ plays a prominent part in the display, on loan for the very first time. Stonehenge’s coastal counterpart was originally found at Old Hunstanton, near King’s Lynn in Norfolk.
These ancient artefacts offer important clues about the human story behind Stonehenge, including the beliefs, rituals, and worldview of Neolithic people, some of Europe’s earliest ancestors.
Transporting guests
The exhibition has received praise from critics, including five-star reviews from The Telegraph, The Times, and The Standard.
The Guardian’s Jonathan Jones, also giving five stars, examined the installation saying “This is a fiercely emotional exhibition, full of love for the people of the distant past…up there with the British Museum’s legendary shows” and contemporary artist Grayson Perry describes it as “one of the most moving and profound exhibitions I have seen”.
RAA London director Philip Tefft comments on its collaboration with the prestigious institution:
“It is a privilege to collaborate with the British Museum on this landmark exhibition, building on the success of our past work together.
“RAA’s design transforms the gallery environment and contextualises the extraordinary archaeological finds and collections, taking visitors on a journey to another time and place; transporting them to the Salisbury Plain where they will witness the iconic winter solstice, a starry night sky, and encounter those who shaped the World of Stonehenge.”
‘The World of Stonehenge’ will be on display at the British Museum until 17 July 2022.
Tickets can be purchased for the exhibition on the British Museum website.
