THE DEAD ZOO ***New***

The Dead Zoo 20200810_104806 Image Name: The Dead Zoo 20200810_104806 Description: The Dead Zoo Monday August 1st RTÉ One
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The Dead Zoo 20200917_151806 Image Name: The Dead Zoo 20200917_151806 Description: The Dead Zoo Monday August 1st RTÉ One
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The Dead Zoo 20200814_130535 Image Name: The Dead Zoo 20200814_130535 Description: The Dead Zoo Monday August 1st RTÉ One
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The Dead Zoo Image Name: The Dead Zoo Description: Retired curator Nigel Monaghan, Dr Ben Garrod and curator Paolo Viscardi The Dead Zoo RTÉ One Monday August 1st
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The Dead Zoo Paolo and Nigel 20180911_195304 Image Name: The Dead Zoo Paolo and Nigel 20180911_195304 Description: The Dead Zoo Curator Paolo Viscardi and Nigel Monaghan Bank Holiday Monday August 1st 6:30pm

Broadcast Details: Monday 1st August, 6.30pm

In 2020, the Natural History Museum in Dublin closed for renovations. They need a new roof but first they had to figure out what to do with the two enormous whale skeletons that have hung from the old roof since the 1890s.

In 2020, the Natural History Museum in Dublin, popularly known as ‘the Dead Zoo’, closed for renovations. They need a new roof – which sounds straightforward enough. But first they had to figure out what to do with the two enormous whale skeletons that have hung from the old roof since the 1890s.

The curators, Nigel Monaghan and Paolo Viscardi, took on this enormous task in the depths of covid lockdown, and using all their skill, as well as saws, drills and other unlikely tools, over a six-month period, managed to disassemble the two whales.

This film, narrated by Brendan Gleeson, shows the fascinating process, filled with tension and interest.

Note to Editors:

The NMI – Natural History reopens to visitors on August 2. Only the ground floor will be open to the public while the renovation works continue on the first floor. There’s plenty to see on the ground floor, including Irish animals like the iconic Giant Irish Deer, a selection of Blaschka glass models and the fascinating and engaging ‘Wonder Cabinet’.  Admission is free but advance booking is required.  Tickets can be booked at www.museum.ie

NMI – Natural History will continue to keep the public updated on the progress of the rest of this exciting renovation project through its social media channels.