Leicester libraries to host exhibitions of mechanical polar bear

Inka the mechanical polar bear will be on display at two Leicester libraries

Libraries in Leicester are gearing up to host a life-sized mechanical polar bear as part of a new exhibition.

Inka will be part of a collection from Leicester Museums, which aims to bring natural history artefacts closer to city communities.

Called the Doorstep Museum, the artefacts will also include ancient fossils and wild insects.

Leicester City Council said the events aimed to "inspire" people about natural history and the environment.

Along with walkabout performances from the life-sized polar bear, visitors will be able to explore the Leicester Museums' "Cabinet of Curiosities".

'Inspiring objects'

This brings together objects and artefacts from the natural world - including a six million-year-old fossil, a croc in a box, and a collection of insects - in a similar way to how explorers and collectors would have done hundreds of years ago, the council said.

Deputy city mayor councillor Adam Clarke, who is responsible for culture, said: "Leicester's museums have been instrumental in inspiring people about natural history and the environment for generations.

"These new Doorstep Museum events will extend that into local communities by bringing inspiring objects and activities into local libraries for people to explore and enjoy right in the heart of their neighbourhoods."

The first event will take place at St Barnabas Library, in French Road, on 10 February from 11:00 until 16:00 GMT.

It will then move to the BRITE Centre, in Braunstone Avenue, on 18 and 19 February, from 11:00 until 16:00.

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