A new exhibition at St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art is set to reveal more about Glasgow’s Museum Collection. ‘Curious’ is a collaboration between Glasgow Museums and a wide range of groups and individuals from across the city which led to over a thousand conversations about objects in the city’s collections and the exhibition is a celebration of some of these exchanges.

Curious is an innovative project that will support and celebrate the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, and prepare for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, by creating inter-cultural dialogue and a legacy of increased understanding of each other, our city and Glasgow’s collections. 

The project has four strands including the community-led exhibition in St Mungo’s Museum of Religious Life and Art, a learning programme focused on Cultural Awareness and strategies for intercultural dialogue, based on objects from the museum collections, an education programme developed in partnership with schools and reflecting the approach of the Curriculum for Excellence, plus a conference in 2012 with international delegates reflecting on the impact of cultural programmes supporting international events such as the Olympic and Commonwealth Games.

Among the items that have been chosen for the exhibition are an Algerian Water bottle, a broom that came from Burma, a butter churn from Shetland, a wedding chest and a tea set. All were chosen by people involved in the project because they held some kind of significance for them.

Councillor George Redmond, Chair of Glasgow Life said: “The people of Glasgow have a real pride and sense of ownership of the city’s museum collection and this exhibition is a reminder of how diverse the collection is and a celebration of the many cultures of Glasgow. The exhibition features items chosen by people from communities all over the city and will be the starting point for a year long project in the lead up to London 2012 and Glasgow 2014.”

Iain Munro, Director of Creative Development, Creative Scotland, said: 'Creative Scotland's investment in this project has multi-cultural community involvement at its core. It blends arts, culture and learning to encourage a sense of community ownership and pride in the cultural life of Glasgow.  The fact that the exhibition is completely community curated makes it even more special.  Not only are the objects selected significant to the selectors but they also tell stories that will allow you to see another side of Glasgow.  The project will leave a legacy within the community that will last beyond London 2012.'

‘Curious’ will open to the public on 20 August 2011 and is due to run until Autumn 2012. Curious is supported by Legacy Trust UK and by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland as part of the Scottish Project.