Acting as museum consultants and exhibition designers Morris Associates were delighted to have been commissioned by TCA Abu Dhabi in collaboration with the British Museum, to design and present "A History of the World in 100 Objects"; an inspiring exhibition that captures both the history of the world and the significant role the Middle East has played within it, through a vivid display of compelling objects.
As one can observe from these images, its sinuous and elegant design was inspired by the continuity of time and therefore the exterior walls are continuous surfaces throughout, with featured time portals moderately screened enabling glimpses into the future and the past.
This was the first time the popular BBC series has been shown as an exhibition, A History of the World in 100 Objects features personal objects, such as the Chinese Jade Hair Ornament (dated c.3500 BCE), whilst also showcasing other objects that were made for whole communities to use, including the Bird-shaped Pestle from Papua New Guinea (dated 6000-2000 BCE). Objects such as the Hebrew Astrolabe (dated 1345-1355 CE) from Spain, were designed to advance human understanding of the world around us, whilst others represent the surviving relics of lost civilisations, such as the Mexican Huastec Sculpture (900-1521 CE). Allowing visitors to travel back in time and across the globe, people can explore how humans have shaped the world, and been shaped by it.
In line with some of the key themes that will define the Zayed National Museum, such as faith and Islam, people and heritage, and science and learning, this exhibition helped visitors discover more about humanity and the progress of human life.
