Zaha Hadid’s Mathematics Gallery for London’s Science Museum will open to the public on 8 December 2016, it has been announced.
Called The David and Claudia Harding Gallery in honour of two of its major donors, the space will explore how mathematicians, their tools and ideas have helped to shape the modern world over the last four hundred years.
More than 100 objects from the Science Museum’s collections – including a WWII Enigma machine, an early aircraft and a 17th century Islamic astrolabe – will show how mathematical practice “has shaped and been shaped by money, trade, travel, war, life and death.”
Mathematical principles define Zaha Hadid Architects’ dramatic curving design for the gallery, and the 3D swooping surfaces around the exhibited aircraft represent the patterns of airflow that would have streamed around it when in flight.
“Mathematics was part of Zaha Hadid’s life from a young age and has always been the foundation of her architecture,” said Patrik Schumacher, partner at Zaha Hadid Architects.
“We look forward to the design, alongside the wonderful stories it will hold, helping to bring the subject to life for millions of visitors of all ages. This gallery is an important part of Zaha’s legacy in London and I am sure it will inspire visitors for many years to come.”
Exhibition curator, Dr David Rooney, added: “Mathematical practice underpins so many aspects of our lives and work, and we hope that bringing together these remarkable stories, people and exhibits will inspire visitors to think about the role of mathematics in a new light.”
The Mathematics Gallery has been designed at a cost of £5m (US$7.2m, €6.4m).
It is one of several new educational spaces being developed by the Science Museum. The gallery, and the mathematical principles that have inspired its design,
are currently featured at the Zaha Hadid retrospective taking place in Venice as part of the city’s 2016 architecture Biennale.
