Northampton Market Square On Ice

For centuries, landscape was considered an unworthy subject for serious artistic exploration. Northampton Museum & Art Gallery Until Sunday 4 October When landscape did appear in paintings, it was often relegated to the background—merely a setting for religious or historical scenes. This perception began to shift in the 17th century with the work of Nicolas Poussin and Claude Lorrain. These pioneering artists crafted idealised rural vistas to illustrate the myths of Ancient Greece and Rome, imbuing natural elements with metaphorical meaning. Through their romantic and structured visions of the countryside, landscape painting began to gain recognition as a meaningful art form. It was not until the 19th century, however, that landscape truly came into its own. Artists such as J.M.W. Turner and John Constable redefined the genre, capturing the drama, emotion, and grandeur of the natural world. Their work affirmed landscape as a powerful subject in its own right—one that continues to inspire artists to this day. Drawing from the museum collections, this exhibition explores the evolution of landscape painting, where nature takes centre stage.  

With inspiration, ingenuity, humour and skill, creative recycling artist Val Hunt has created a fascinating selection of large and small sculptural pieces which are both appealing and informative Saturday 28 June - Sunday 10 August 2025 Animals, exotic birds, fish, dinosaurs and species of flora, all on the edge or now extinct, have been made from a selection of throwaway material especially Val’s favourite medium, drinks can metal. This exhibition presents a subtle message about recycling and preservation, raising awareness of why the creatures on show are endangered or extinct. Find out why species are disappearing from this planet at an alarming rate.

 June – 7 September 2025 Northampton Museum & Art Gallery £25 per team Step into the role of a detective and solve a series of curious and whimsical mysteries in your local museum. Using our companion app, you'll explore the museum to uncover hidden clues and encounter life-sized cardboard characters—each one a possible suspect, witness, or victim. Work together to connect the dots, follow the twists in each story, and put your problem-solving skills to the test. It’s the perfect activity for families, friends, or anyone with a curious mind looking for a fun and unique experience. What to Expect A Unique Blend of Games Enjoy a one-of-a-kind adventure that combines elements of a murder mystery, escape room, scavenger hunt, and even a touch of Where’s Wally. Team up and see if you can crack the case. An Immersive Museum Adventure Watch the museum transform into a crime-solving playground. Track down cardboard clues, solve puzzles, and interact with quirky characters—surprises await around every corner. Three Curious Cases to Solve Your adventure lasts between 1 to 2 hours and includes three entertaining cases, from a vandalized moustache to a victim flattened by an ancient sarcophagus. Ready to solve the mystery? Gather...