Museum puts on a cool show

While the rest of London anticipates a warm summer, the frozen wilderness of Antarctica is to be recreated in South Kensington.

The Natural History Museum's Ice Station Antarctica exhibition will involve sub-zero temperatures and 24-hour darkness.

It will offer a taste of life in one of the world's most challenging environments, from riding a snowmobile to lunching in the dark and experiencing the sights and smells of a penguin colony.

The exhibition's eight areas include a "freezer section" where visitors are given protective clothing and plunged into temperatures of minus 10C.

The show has been developed in partnership with the British Antarctic Survey for children aged seven and above.

Alex Gaffikin, Natural History Museum exhibition developer, said: "We'll see if you've got what it takes to brave Antarctica." The exhibition opens on 25 May. Admission will be £7, £4.50 concessions, and £19 for a family of up to five.

www.nhm.ac.uk/ice-station-antarctica