The Power Of Poison

Adapted from the American Museum of Natural History, coming to London is "one of the most theatrical exhibitions the museum has mounted"
The New York Times

Discover
...the alluring, seductive and terrifying role of poison and how it affects our everyday lives through nature, myth, medicine and healing

Interactive
Turn forensic detective and use clues to solve famous poisonings

Poison In Nature
Visit Columbia's Choco Forest: Organisms use poison to protect themselves or capture prey. Walk through this immersive exhibit and observe toxic species of plants and animals whilst considering: What is it? Who or what is its target? How does it use poison, and why?

Poison In Myth And Legend
Once upon a time (or until germs were discovered), people couldn't tell if sickness was caused by disease, poison or even magic. Stories of dramatic poisonings intrigue because they are mysterious and frightening, and because many contain a kernel of truth. Find out the reality behind fascinating tales such as the Witches of Macbeth, Snow White, Mad Hatters and Greek Legends before taking a look at the interactive Poisons In Literature bookshelf?

Detecting Poison
Step inside the Victims and Villains Gallery and discover how, from Cleopatra to Napoleon, history is filled with famous poisonings, many of which remain unsolved. Explore how these figures may have died.

Understanding Poisons Live Presentation. Throughout most of history, people had little understanding of what was poisonous, and why. Until the mid-1800s, when scientists developed forensic tools to detect poisons in the human body, many deaths remained a mystery.

Poison By Accident
Get Interactive and solve case studies. Intentional poisonings are rare today, but accidental poisonings do happen. Using iPads visitors can investigate evidence, compare clues and weed out red herrings to figure out what poisoned a dog, an owl and Captain Cook.

Poison For Good
Toxins extracted from plants and animals, including venoms, are being studied to treat conditions such as high blood pressure, multiple sclerosis and cancer. Here, explore how poisons are increasingly becoming of benefit to humanity.