A MUMMIFIED cat will join other fascinating "rarely displayed" artefacts in an exciting new exhibition launching at Southend Central Museum.

Wunderkammer: Southend’s Cabinet of Curiosity, is set to launch on Saturday, and will feature an eclectic mix of objects including a collection of colourful tropical shells and corals and even a full-length replica of the Bayeux Tapestry.

An ancient Egyptian wall fragment and a necklace made of animal teeth are also among the historic pieces set to be included, with the exhibition looking to highlight the fascinating array of artefacts the museum has been collecting over the years.

The attraction will also tell the stories of early collectors including one of the earliest female collectors, Isabella d’Este, and will feature objects from the collection of Charles Nicholson, who was born in nearby Hadleigh.

Carole Mulroney, councillor for environment, culture, tourism and planning, said: “This is such an exciting and immersive exhibition because visitors now have a rare opportunity to view the fascinating artefacts our museum team have been collecting over the years."

Wunderkammer is translated from German as "room of wonder" and in English it is usually referred to as a "Cabinet of Curiosities".

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Many Wunderkammer originated in royal treasuries, where the crown jewels and items of regalia were housed with other items of value for safekeeping.

Cabinets of Curiosities acted as a precursor to museums and this exhibition will explore the evolution and the continued appeal of museums to this day.

The immersive exhibition is also set to provide fun and engagement for the town's younger visitors, and will consider a more critical view of the history of collecting. 

Councillor Mulroney, continued: "As well as being fun and entertaining, there is also an educational element as it explores the history of collecting and the impact of colonialism and exoticism – it really is an exhibition for the whole family and the first of many new events and exhibitions we have planned over the coming months.”

Wunderkammer: Southend’s Cabinet of Curiosity, will run for a whole year until October 2 2022.

Opening hours are 11am to 5pm, Wednesday to Sunday.

Visit www.southendmuseums.co.uk/ for more information.