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The Collingwood Museum Launches ‘Creatures of the Deep North’: A Subterranean Wonder

Newcastle upon Tyne – 30th September 2024

The Collingwood Museum is proud to announce the grand opening of its new wing dedicated to the "Creatures of the Deep North," an extraordinary exhibit showcasing newly discovered subterranean creatures unearthed from mines across the North East. The exhibit will open its doors to the public on 1st October 2024, welcoming visitors into an immersive world of underground monsters and mining history, where myth meets reality.

These ancient creatures, many of which have been preserved deep below the surface for centuries, are now on display for the first time. The new wing features an array of fascinating specimens, but three standout creatures have already captured the imaginations of scientists and monster enthusiasts alike.

Featured Creatures

1. The Ironclad Crab – An armoured predator, the size of a medium sized car, known to stalk the dark caverns beneath the old Northumberland coalfields. This giant crab, with its thick iron-like shell and crushing pincers, was feared by miners, who passed down tales of "clicking claws in the dark." Now visitors can marvel at this (presumably) prehistoric terror up close.

2. The Abyssal Salamander – A truly massive amphibian measuring over 15 feet in length. This creature, discovered deep in the shafts of a former lead mine near Durham, is the largest of its kind ever recorded. With bright pink skin and beady, blood red eyes, the Abyssal Salamander could survive in extreme conditions, thriving in the dark, damp corners of the Earth for millennia. 

3. The Blindworm Queen – A rare and eerie find, this creature, once thought to be pure legend – and perhaps the origin of the Lambtom Worm of North East folklore – resembles a cross between a snake and an eel, stretching nearly 40 feet long. Found in a hidden cave beneath a coal mine in County Durham, it is believed to have been a feared apex predator of its time. The Blindworm Queen’s many teeth and elongated body hint at its role as a formidable predator in the ancient underground food chain.

A Boost for the Region

The launch of the new wing is expected to attract thousands of tourists, eager to catch a glimpse of these awe-inspiring creatures. Local businesses are anticipating a surge in visitors, with the museum forecasting an influx of 100,000 people during the first six months alone.

The exhibit has also led to the creation of 70 new jobs within the museum, including roles in "monster maintenance" (specifically designed to care for these delicate and ancient creatures) as well as hospitality staff to serve the increasing number of visitors. This investment into the local economy has been celebrated by community leaders and the museum administration alike.

Excitement from the Museum

Sarah Hidalgo-Chunkimuncks, Administrator of The Collingwood Museum, expressed her excitement for the exhibit:

“This is a monumental moment for the museum and for Newcastle as a whole. We’ve uncovered not only relics of the region’s rich mining past, but real, living pieces of history that have been hiding underground for centuries. These creatures give us a glimpse into a world we never knew existed beneath our feet. We can’t wait for people to experience this firsthand and see the sheer scale of what’s been discovered. This is not just an exhibit; it’s a testament to the enduring mysteries of the Earth.”

Visit the Exhibit

The new wing of The Collingwood Museum will open its doors on 1st October 2024, with special guided tours available for the first two weeks. The museum is open seven days a week, and advance booking is recommended due to the expected high demand.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.collingwoodmuseum.co.uk or call 0191-XXX-XXXX.

About The Collingwood Museum
Located in the heart of Newcastle, The Collingwood Museum is one of the city's most beloved institutions, offering a wide range of exhibits that celebrate the rich history and culture of the North East. From mining heritage to natural history, the museum prides itself on bringing the region's stories to life through world-class exhibits and educational programmes.

Press Contact
Tony Clark
Press Officer, The Collingwood Museum
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✨ I’m absolutely blown away after visiting the new Creatures of the Deep North wing at The Collingwood Museum! The sheer scale and mystery of these subterranean creatures – like the gigantic Abyssal Salamander and the Ironclad Crab – have completely sparked my imagination.

As someone who develops software systems that dig deep (pun intended!) into the needs of businesses, I can’t help but draw parallels between these ancient creatures and the resilience required in business today. Much like the Blindworm Queen, silently ruling her underground domain, successful businesses operate best when they have strong foundations – even if they remain unseen. 🐍

But it’s not just the creatures that inspired me; the entire exhibit really ties into my wellness mindfulness programme. Just as these creatures survived in challenging environments, it’s essential that we nurture our own wellbeing to thrive in the fast-paced, demanding business world. Maintaining balance – just like monster maintenance at the museum 😉 – is crucial to keeping everything running smoothly. 💼

I left the museum feeling energised and more committed than ever to supporting businesses with my software and wellness systems.

Honestly, if you’re in Newcastle, you must check this out. You’ll leave with more than a love of monsters – you’ll get a fresh perspective on your own resilience!

#CreaturesOfTheDeep #MindfulnessAndMonsters #BusinessWellness #FoundationsForSuccess

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