Introduction	James Cook and the Exploration of the Pacific Exhibition is the name of an exhibition that includes around 500 items presenting the voyages of Captain Cook and the international team of scientists and artists accompanying him. Their work during the European enlightenment period contributed new insights to a host of disciplines from navigation and astronomy to natural history, philosophy and art. It even led to the birth of a new science: the field of ethnology and ethnography.
When and where is the exhibition?	The exhibition runs from 12 May to 13 September 2010. It is open daily (except Tuesdays) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m It is held at the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Ethnology), Heldenplatz, 1010 Vienna, Austria.
What will be exhibited?	Many ethnographic and natural history objects from diverse Pacific cultures, that were collected during the three Cook voyages and spread into collections all over Europe. Magnificent paintings and drawings by the artists accompanying Cook on his voyages. Ship models, sea charts and navigation instruments that provide a vivid introduction to the world of James Cook's voyages.
Why now?	This exhibition is a cooperation between the Art and Exhibition Hall of the Federal Republic of Germany in Bonn, the Institute of Cultural and Social Anthropology of Göttingen University, Germany, the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Ethnology), Vienna, Austria and the Historisches Museum, Bern, Switzerland
More information?	Click here to visit the museum's web page in English or in German
Where else can I see it?	The exhibition will also be held from 7 October 2010 to 13 February 2011 at the Historisches Museum, Bern, Switzerland It was previously shown from 28 August 2009 to 28 February 2010 at the Art and Exhibition Hall of the Federal Republic of Germany in Bonn, Germany.

Some of the items featured		Headdress of King Paulaho of Tonga A feathered head-dress (pala tavake) that is worn only by the highest chiefs. It was given by King Paulaho to Captain Cook as a gift when Cook visited Tonga in 1777. Cook wrote: "These Caps or rather bonnets are made of the tail feathers of the Tropic bird with the red feathers of the Paroquets worked upon them or in along with them, they are made so as to tie upon the forehead without any Crown, and have the form of a Semi-circle". © Museum für Völkerkunde, Vienna
		Hawaiian feather temple A feathered temple collected on Cook's Third Voyage. Its use is unknown, but it may be dwelling place to which the gods could be called by prayers or offerings. It is covered in red and yellow feathers and has a turtle shell door frame. © Museum für Völkerkunde, Vienna

Updated: May 2010