There’s something so captivating about snakes, don’t you think? Whether you love them or loathe them there is no disputing that they are fascinating creatures. As my eldest son had an inset day this week, it was, according to him, a no brainer where we would be going; the snakes exhibition at the National Museum Cardiff.
But, if you’re tempted to visit, you’d better hurry, as it is only there until Sunday 15th September. If you’re not sure and need some convincing then read on so you can find out what to expect if you visit.
Review – Snakes Exhibition at the National Museum Cardiff
The exhibition itself is relatively small, set on the ground floor of the museum. It’s in the same place where the Tim Peake’s spacecraft exhibition was.
We spent a good two hours at the exhibition as there was so much information to digest and read. However, it would probably take less time with younger kids or those without such a keen interest as my sons.
When you first enter you come face to face with a collection of preserved snakes in jars. This made me realise how little I actually know about snakes. As half of the species I’d never heard of before.
Next up was the Burmese python skeleton sitting next to a skeleton piglet. I wouldn’t fancy the piglets chances up against a python.
We discovered that snakes date back over 100 million years ago, and that some species still have the bones set up for legs, dating back to when they evolved from a lizard like ancestor.
We learnt some really interesting facts about snakes on our visit. For example, did you know that most snakes with a vertical shaped pupil are nocturnal whilst those with a round pupils hunt in the day? Then there are land, water or arboreal based snakes.
I also liked the references to where snakes are around the world and how people live alongside these creatures in their daily lives.
In addition to the interesting facts and exhibits you also get the chance to come face to face with live snakes, including a boa constrictor, a royal python and a pretty corn snake.
Is it suitable for kids?
In short, yes it is definitely suitable. Most kids will love it, I’m sure. What I really liked were the interactive sections which were completely geared at a younger audience.
There was a challenging magnetic wall jigsaw where you had to put the pieces together to make the largest recorded reticulated python measuring 6.95 metres (23 feet). At 5″3 that’s over 4 of me.
Then there was a desert scene area where you had to spot the snakes and identify them and they would then light up. For younger kids there was also a few snake type dressing up clothes.
Towards the end, near the exit, there was a small quiz to test what you had taken in during the exhibition. There were also some small tables and chairs with some colouring in sheets.
There was also a cool weighing scales where you could pop on and see which snake weighed the same as. My son weighed the same as a Boa Constrictor, and when we hopped on together we weighed the same as a Burmese Python. How crazy is that!
There was also a few small doors and drawers which you could open with little finds behind which may even make you jump. Well they did me anyway.
Our Verdict
We loved it. There was a great amount of information about the different types of snakes from their habitat to the way they move. The interactive sections were great for kids and being able to see some live snakes brought the exhibition alive, literally.
Additional Information
The Snake exhibition is on at the National Museum Cardiff until the 15th September. Whilst entry to the museum is free, there is a charge for the exhibition.
Cost per adult £7.50 and child £3.50 or a family ticket for £18.50.
Snakes is a touring exhibition created by Blue Tokay, with additional content from the natural sciences collections of Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales.
You can visit the Cardiff museum website HERE for additional information.
