Visitors can choose what to pay at latest Perth Museum Waters Rising exhibition

Perth Museum’s latest exhibition, Waters Rising, offers visitors a unique opportunity to pay what they choose instead of a set admission fee as they explore stories and objects related to flooding, both globally and locally in Perth and Kinross. The exhibition, open to the public from November 8 to March 16, 2025, also encourages residents to contribute their own flooding experiences and photos to the display.

Curator Niamh Finlay describes Waters Rising as an exploration of flooding through cultural, physical, and emotional lenses, offering insights into the climate crisis and global flood myths. The exhibition features a variety of artifacts, including an Egyptian sarcophagus with Nile flood damage, a 13th-century illuminated Bible, and works by contemporary artists. It also delves into the impact of flooding on Perth and Kinross communities, showcasing photos, films, memories, and oral histories shared by residents.

In addition to documenting past floods in the area, the exhibition addresses climate activism and climate anxiety. Notably, the display includes a river track monitor for visitors to purchase, allowing them to monitor river levels and prepare for potential flooding events. With Perth and Kinross having experienced flooding in various locations over the years, the exhibition serves as a poignant reminder of the global scale of this issue.

Since its opening earlier this year, Perth Museum has welcomed over 151,000 visitors, offering free admission to its permanent galleries and iconic Stone of Destiny. For the Waters Rising exhibition, tickets can be booked in person or via Perthshire Box Office, with free entry for members of the Culture Perth and Kinross Supporters Scheme. The museum is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm and on Sunday from 11am to 4pm.

The exhibition not only educates visitors about the impact of flooding and climate change but also underscores the importance of community involvement in preserving and sharing our collective experiences. By engaging with local residents and encouraging them to contribute to the exhibition, Waters Rising fosters a sense of shared responsibility and empowers individuals to reflect on and respond to the challenges posed by climate-related events.

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My insights:

The concept of allowing visitors to choose what they pay for admission to the Waters Rising exhibition at Perth Museum is a creative approach to making cultural experiences more accessible to the community. By inviting residents to share their own stories and contribute to the exhibition, the museum is fostering a sense of ownership and collective memory around the impacts of flooding. This interactive and inclusive approach not only enriches the visitor experience but also highlights the interconnectedness of local and global environmental challenges. The exhibition serves as a timely reminder of the urgent need to address climate change and its repercussions on communities worldwide.