Celebrating Darwin
Darwin200 is a national programme of events during 2009 celebrating Charles Darwin, one of the world's most creative and influential thinkers.
Many events took place on and around 12 February 2009, which was 200 years since Darwin was born. We are now approaching another important anniversary on 24 November – 150 years since the publication of his famous book, On the Origin of Species.
For a full list of Darwin events across the UK up to the end of this year, visit our Events pages.
Highlighted below is a selection of celebrations honouring Darwin's scientific ideas and their impact.
Current Celebrations
Origin Day 24 November
A webcast debate on the 150th anniversary of the publication of On the Origin of Species, organised by the British Council, Charles Darwin Trust and John Murray family.
The Greatest Book Ever Written? 24 November
An afternoon talk at the Natural History Museum to discuss the importance of On the Origin of Species.
Darwin, Evolution and the Movies 20–24 November
A Darwin-inspired film festival taking place at the Lexi, Rio and Shortwave Cinemas in London.
Extinked 12 November – 1 December
A unique exhibition of drawings of the 100 most endangered species in the British Isles ending with live tattooing of the images on 100 volunteers.
Darwin's Edinburgh 24 October – 12 December
Two linked exhibitions, Darwin's Edinburgh and An Entangled Bank at the Talbot Rice Gallery, University of Edinburgh.
Inherit the Wind 18 September – 20 December
Trevor Nunn returns to direct Old Vic Artistic Director Kevin Spacey in Lawrence and Lee’s gripping courtroom drama, inspired by the famous Scopes ‘monkey trial’.
Darwin the Geologist
A new permanent exhibition of geological specimens collected by Darwin during the Beagle voyage has opened at The Sedgwick Museum in Cambridge.
After Darwin 26 June – 29 November
An exhibition of major artists and writers exhibiting newly-commissioned and existing work, inspired by Darwin's book, The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals.
Darwin's College Rooms Until 21 November 2009
Darwin's rooms at Christ's College, Cambridge have been restored to their original condition and are open to the public at selected times.
TREE by Tania Kovats
This new artwork at the Natural History Museum is a wafer-thin longitudinal section of an entire 200-year-old oak tree inspired by Darwin's tree of life sketch.
Creation the movie
Due for release on 25 September 2009, this screen adaptation of Annie's Box by Randal Keynes promises a Darwin as you've never seen him before.
Darwin's birthplace virtual tour
Take a virtual tour around Darwin's birthplace, The Mount in Shrewsbury.
Happy Birthday Charles Darwin
Post your own birthday message to Darwin and see other messages from all over the globe.
Darwin Stamps
On 12 February the Royal Mail issued ten new Darwin stamps to celebrate his life and work.
Darwin Photo Competition
On 12 February the Grant Museum, Horniman Museum and Institute of Biology launched a photographic competition, Exploring and Investigating Nature.
Down House, Kent
Darwin’s home of 40 years has re-opened with new displays about his life and work , and a handheld multi-media tour of the house and garden.
Free school resources from Wellcome, March 2009
Every primary school will be sent a treasure chest to take part in the Great Plant Hunt and every secondary school can request a Survival Rivals experiment kit.
Darwin Festivals
Darwin and Beyond Throughout 2009
Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution has launched a programme of more than 50 events during 2009 including exhibitions, talks and performances.
Darwin's Shrewsbury Throughout 2009
An exciting programme of events to celebrate Darwin's bicentenary has already begun in Shrewsbury and will continue throughout 2009.
Darwin 2009 Festival 5–10 July 2009
Bookings are now open for the packed programme of talks, debates, exhibitions and performances held in Cambridge.
Books about Darwin
Darwin's Sacred Cause 29 January 2009
This new book, by Adrian Desmond and James Moore, is a dramatic re-interpretation of the origins of Darwin's ideas, exploring how anti-slavery opinions shaped his views on human evolution.
99% Ape: How Evolution Adds Up November 2008
A new book, edited by Jonathan Silvertown and with contributions from experts at the Open University, is set to reveal the latest evidence for evolution - and how it all adds up.
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‘There is grandeur in this view of life... from so simple a beginning endless forms most beautiful and most wonderful have been, and are being, evolved.’ Charles Darwin
