On a sunny July afternoon, I found myself in the heart of Oxford, eagerly awaiting the press preview of The Story Museum ‘s latest exhibition, Here Be Dragons. Co-curated by the celebrated author Cressida Cowell and her fictional dragon, Toothless, this exhibition promised an immersive journey through the enchanting world of dragon lore. As a long-time fan of Cowell’s How To Train Your Dragon series, I couldn’t wait to dive into this mythical adventure.
An Immersive Experience in Dragon Lore
From the moment I stepped into the Treasure Chamber, I was transported into a realm where dragons from Earth, Air, Fire, and Water came alive. The museum had meticulously crafted an environment that was both visually stunning and deeply engaging.
One of the unique aspects of this exhibition is its interactive nature. As I wandered through the realms, I had the chance to try my hand at dragon racing, dress up in dragon-themed costumes, and even attempt to train a dragon. The kids’ section, dedicated to playing out fun scripts with dragons, was a delightful touch. Despite being an adult, I found myself fully immersed, interacting with the exhibits and enjoying every moment, even though I was exploring alone.
Conversations with the Creative Team
During the preview, I spoke with theatre designer Amy Bicât, who is at the helm of the Creative Programme at The Story Museum. She explained, “Dragons are a symbol of the wild; they appear as imaginative characters in cultures around the world, representing everything from great wisdom to fearsome power. We aimed to create an exhibition that captures this universal appeal and allows families to explore these myths together, fostering creativity and bonding.”
Caroline Jones, Director and CEO of The Story Museum, shared her excitement: “As we celebrate three years of running our unique museum, we are thrilled to launch Here Be Dragons. This exhibition combines our immersive design style with historical objects and the storytelling genius of Cressida Cowell. It’s a richly imaginative environment where visitors can truly lose themselves in the world of dragons.”
Cressida Cowell herself was enthusiastic about the project: “I know from talking to thousands of young people that dragons are still as fascinating nowadays as they were to me when I was a child. It’s been a pleasure to collaborate with The Story Museum to bring this exhibition to life and to see my characters guiding families through the wonders of dragon lore.”
Playing and Bonding
One of the highlights of my visit was the chance to interact with the creative exhibits. The dragon racing game was a hit with both children and adults. Dressing up in dragon-themed costumes brought out the child in me, and I couldn’t resist playing out a few fun scripts in the kids’ section dedicated to dragons. Despite being on my own, I found great joy in these activities, which were designed to encourage creativity and offline bonding time.
The exhibition is clearly aimed at families, offering a wonderful opportunity for them to spend quality time together, away from screens, and to let their imaginations soar. It was heart-warming to see children and parents alike engaging with the exhibits, learning about dragon etiquette, and honing their dragon training skills.
Exploring Oxford’s Literary Heritage
After spending a delightful hour in the dragon exhibition, I decided to explore the rest of The Story Museum’s permanent exhibits. The Alice in Wonderland and Narnia sections were particularly enchanting, providing a deep exploration into the fantastical worlds created by Lewis Carroll and C.S. Lewis.
Oxford itself is a town steeped in literary history, famously associated with Alice in Wonderland. On the first Saturday in July, the city transforms into “Alice’s Town,” celebrating all things Wonderland. Inspired by this, I embarked on a self-guided walking tour, visiting various Alice-themed locations, which added a delightful end to my day.
A Must-Visit Exhibition
Here Be Dragons at The Story Museum is more than just an exhibition; it’s a celebration of storytelling and imagination. Whether you’re a family looking for an engaging day out, a fan of dragon lore, or simply someone who appreciates the magic of stories, this exhibition offers something for everyone. The interactive elements, combined with the rich tapestry of dragon myths, create an experience that is both educational and immensely fun.
Running until July 2025, Here Be Dragons is a must-visit for anyone in or around Oxford. Tickets are reasonably priced, and the museum is open daily during school holidays, making it an ideal summer outing. For more information and to book tickets, visit The Story Museum’s website. Don’t miss the chance to meet the dragons – if you dare!
For more details, visit The Story Museum website and follow them on social media for the latest updates.
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