Death & Diversity is the feature exhibition at the Museum of City & Sea from 5th December 2011 to 26th June 2012.
Different cultures including Hindu, Jewish, Mexican, Chinese, Colombian, Muslim and Assyrian, relate their death rituals and how these have been affected or adapted by living in New Zealand.
While there are many cross culture similarities – there are some fundamental differences to approach and beliefs.
Central to the exhibit is an opportunity for visitors to write a message to or about someone who has died. What was striking was the number of messages and how many sentiments were expressed in a variety of languages. Interesting that visitors to New Zealand, not just locals, have the desire to participate and acknolwedge their loss.
Visitors are also invited to display (on temporary loan) a poignant object, with an explanation for its choice.
There are photographic exhibitions of scenes from the New Zealand funeral industry, including mortuary images and a Wellington cemetery photographic project.
A comprehensive programme of events is planned with talks and presentations from various representatives associated with death; casket manufacturers, Births, Deaths and Marriages, funeral directors, Karori and Makara cemeteries and crematorium.
For updates visit the Museum of City & Sea website – Death & Diversity.
This exhibition provides opportunities to ask questions about a subject we prefer to ignore.
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