Running from now until 17th September, and open every day, this free exhibition showcases miniature (and three not so miniature) model dinosaurs created from Lego by artist Warren Elsmore.
The exhibition spans three rooms on the second floor of the museum. The first contains numerous miniatures, a small shop, and two large models. The second, to the left, contains a further large model, and more miniatures, while the third, to the right of the entrance, contains dinosaur/Lego related activities.
Children had the opportunity to build their own dinosaurs out of Lego, stick Lego bricks onto a stegosaurus shaped wall collage, colour in pictures of dinosaurs or take part in an archaeological dig. There was even an area containing larger softer bricks for toddlers to build with.
The models were very well done, and set in brightly coloured, detailed landscapes, capturing the attention of the children in the exhibition. The larger models, particularly the Masiakasaurus, were also attracting a lot of interest. However, the most popular part of the exhibition did seem to be the activity room.
Baby enjoyed looking at the models, though the roar of the Masiakasaurus made her jump every time. She coloured in a picture of a Stegosaurus, but found the activity room a bit too busy with older children, so didn't really show much interest in playing with the Lego. And if your preschooler is the type to put everything in their mouths you might want to steer them away from the buckets of small pieces of Lego.
Even if Baby had wanted to build Lego models or dig for fossils, we probably wouldn't have spent longer than an hour, two at most, but for free, it was well worth the visit.
The Harris Museum has other permanent and temporary exhibitions, including one on Preston's history, which we visited briefly. They didn't seem particularly suited to toddlers, but a handful of older children were perusing the exhibits.
Key Facts
Month of visit:
August
Weather for visit:
Irrelevant
Is it pushchair friendly?
Yes, a lift takes you to all floors apart from the Egyptian balcony, and there are ramps outside alongside the entrance steps.
How are the baby changing facilities?
There are toilets on or in-between each floor, all including baby changing.
What about somewhere to feed?
There is a cafe on the ground floor which is open Monday to Saturday with plenty of seating. The seating is also accessible on a Sunday when the cafe is closed. A few chairs are available in the central gallery of each floor but there's not really anywhere quiet/private.
Is it worth a visit?
A free exhibition that can entertain children for a couple of hours through the Summer holiday, definitely.
Baby's highlight?
The basket of Lego dinosaur eggs.
Harris Museum and Art Gallery
Market Square,
Preston,
PR1 2PP
http://www.harrismuseum.org.uk
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