Fusty fossils weren't the only inspiration for Darwin's Origins of Species according to a ground-breaking exhibition. The Darwin exhibition at the Fitzwilliam Museum explores the integral part art played in the formation of evolutionary theory.

Endless Forms
The Darwin Exhibition at Fitzwilliam Museum, entitled Endless Forms: Charles Darwin, Natural Science and the Visual Arts, brings together paintings, prints, photographs and sculptures and aligns them with the scientific musings of Darwin. It reveals that science and art impacted upon each in a profound way, leading to a new outlook on the world and man's place in it.

Turner
As well as the scientific botanical drawings studied by Darwin the exhibition also includes masterpieces by French Impressionists. This because the Darwin exhibition at Fitzwilliam Museum sets out to prove that just as art inspired Darwin, his revolutionary ideas also influenced the work of nineteenth century artists. Works by Turner, Frederick Church and the French Impressionists are some of the 200 exhibits on show, some of which have never been shown in public.

Open Mind
Darwin's idea had a massive impact in the way in which the world was understood, not just scientifically but also culturally. To reflect this broad spectrum of influence the exhibition is split into several sections, from natural selection, to the descent of humankind and beauty and sexual selection. Each of these sections combines artwork, with geological maps, ornithological specimens and fossils to demonstrate the various influences which played a part in the formation of The Origins of Species.

Up For Debate
To complement the exhibition, and to celebrate the anniversary of Darwin's birth, there'll be a series of events including talks, debates and workshops. Throughout September and October, lunchtime talks will be hosted on Thursdays by some of the leading lights in the scientific and artistic community, including some of the curators behind the Darwin exhibition at Fitzwilliam Museum.

Darwin's Recipes
For the final weekend of this bicentary exhibition there'll be a special event entitled Sunday Lunch with Mrs Darwin. It's a talk by Weslie Janeway and Dusha Bateson, co-authors of Mrs Charles Darwin's Recipe Book. Afterwards there'll be the chance to sample some of the recipes from the book.

The Darwin Exhibition at Fitzwilliam Museum is open from 10am - 5pm, Tuesday - Saturday and 12pm - 5pm on Sundays from 16th June - 4th October 2009. Admission is free.

There's a special late opening from 6pm - 9pm, Wednesday 16th September 2009. For more information click on the link below.

Endless Forms Exhibition Official Site