MGC has launched its website at

www.museums.gov.uk

Timothy Mason, Director of the Museums & Galleries Commission (MGC),
commented:  "We hope our new site will be of use to the general museum
visitor and to those working in museums, providing a one-stop
information point for all museum related queries.

"Museums.gov.uk will develop over time.  The first phase, launched
today, features an extensive range of facts and figures about museums,
the latest museum-related news, full details of all MGC publications and
a range of useful links to other museum-related sites.

"In addition access is provided to Designated museum collections via a
link to the new MGC database www.cornucopia.org.uk.  By 2001 Cornucopia
will provide a complete picture of the wealth of museum collections in
the UK.  Visit us now on www.museums.gov.uk."

The MGC website was produced by Terry Braun and Gabriella Rajeczy von
Burian, and designed and programmed by Richard Lord for Illuminations
Interactive.  Work on the second phase of the site will begin in May
1999.  Phase two will include a discussion forum to enable users to
participate in online debate about museum issues, free 'downloadable'
factsheets, and more museum advice and information.

The site includes objects chosen by well-known celebrities - the first
is chosen by Rt. Hon. Chris Smith MP, Secretary of State for Culture,
Media and Sport, selected the silver swan automaton from the Bowes
Museum.  "The silver swan is a superb work of craftsmanship, beautifully
made and detailed.  It is also fun.  It moves, swallows fish, and bows
its neck."  Located in the great entrance hall of the Bowes Museum,
Country Durham,  "the swan provides a real focal point for visitors to
this excellent museum."


--
David Dawson
MGC New Technology Adviser
usual email address - [log in to unmask]