Take a journey to Middle Earth

Chichester’s Novium Museum is taking a journey to Middleearth this spring.

A magical treasure trove of objects and artworks celebrating the epic JRR Tolkien fantasy novels The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings is the latest exhibition. The Magic of Middle-earth exhibition will open at The NoviumMuseumonSaturday,April1.

Exhibits include: a rare first edition copy of The Hobbit from 1937; dramatic models and dioramas including The Battle of Helms Deep; concept artwork, theatre, music and movie-inspired memorabilia and prop replicas; paintings of dragons, EntsandElvesandartworkillustratingTolkien’sdeeppassionfor the natural world; Middle-earth inspiredvideogamesandLEGO® s e t s ; andasoundscapeincluding music by Howard Shore, who composed, orchestrated, conducted and produced the music of The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001-2003) and The Hobbit film series (2012-2014).

Visitors can also look forward to some interactive gallery features in the Hobbiton family area; take a selfie in a Hobbit chair; and experience the surprise of an animatronic version of Smaug the Dragon! ‘Little halflings’cangetintocharacterwith fancydresscostumesandfollow amysticalquesttrailthroughthe museum.

The Magic of Middle-earth will run until Sunday, September 24 2023. Tickets to the exhibitioncost£4foradults,£2.50for a child and £12 for a family of up to five (maximum two adults).

For more information and to bookvisit:www.thenovium.org/ magicofmiddleearth. Entry to the rest of the museum remains free, with donations gratefully accepted.