![\"Display](\"https:\/\/8400e186.delivery.rocketcdn.me\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/10\/linnean-society-wonder-04.webp\")
<\/a><\/p>\nInspired by the grand tradition of the cabinet of curiosity, or Wunderkammer, which flourished in 17th- and 18th-century Europe, the exhibition brings together a series of themed displays showcasing some of the Linnean Society\u2019s more unusual treasures.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a gently whimsical show that\u2019s more \u201clook at this oddity\u201d than \u201chere\u2019s a scientific explanation\u201d and that\u2019s a large part of its charm. Expect moments of delight, fascination, and the occasional shudder of \u201cugh!\u201d as you peer at the exhibits.<\/p>\n Among the curiosities are animal skins, a pipe (reportedly) carved from an albatross bone, and preserved spiders, all contributing to display a suitably spooky air for the Halloween season.<\/p>\n One particularly eye-catching item is a handwritten dinner bill from the King\u2019s Arms in Kew, dating back to Carl Linnaeus\u2019s visit to London and a far cry from today\u2019s plain thermal till receipts.<\/p>\n And keep an eye out for the hexagonal postage stamps; you don\u2019t see many of those about.<\/p>\n As for the famous testicles, they take a bit of finding. A helpful tip: use your phone camera to zoom in on the notebook page to read it.<\/p>\n That the curators have had a bit of fun with the labels is also a nice touch \u2013 science should be engaging and fun at times.<\/p>\n Hairy Styles The exhibition, Wonder<\/a>, is at the Linnean Society<\/a> on Piccadilly until March 2026.<\/p>\n It\u2019s open Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 5pm and is free to visit.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
\nFights of fancy
\nYou monster
\nItty Bitty
\nDeadly!
\nAround the world
\nDomestic bliss
\nSurf and turf
\nDifferent wavelengths<\/p>\n