4 Jul 2016

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Christchurch’s young amateur detectives will get the chance to prowl Canterbury Museum’s galleries by torchlight this month.

To celebrate the July school holidays Canterbury Museum is opening its doors after-hours and inviting kids to help them solve the mystery of who stole the Waitaha Diamond.

Starting at the scene of the crime – the main foyer - young sleuths taking part in Mystery Night at the Museum (on July 12, 14, 19 and 21 from 5.30 to 8pm) will have to track down clues left among the galleries and eliminate suspects as they narrow down their search for the diamond thief.

“For over 10 years we have been opening at night for these popular events,’’ said Canterbury Museum Director Anthony Wright. “And we still hear from so many people that visiting the Museum at night is one of their favorite things to do!”

Typically across four nights of the event the Museum welcomes more than 5000 people, many dressed in costume, who spend the evening prowling around the galleries with torches and enjoying the experience of being in the Museum after-hours.

The free KidsFest event is open to children of all ages but under-14 year-olds must be supervised by an adult.

Visitors should bring their own torches.

Children are invited to take a photo of themselves dressed as a sleuth, detective or villain while they are at the Museum, and to post it on Canterbury Museum’s Facebook page to be in to win a prize.

Get more information on the Canterbury Museum’s website.