Mages, students, and those interested in the like came from all over Azeroth for an informative evening of learning, wonder and…. Mana Wyrms? For the magically inclined of Azeroth it’s certainly an exciting time to be a Mage! Though perhaps now even more so following the opening of the Museum of Arcane Arts and Wonders! With a name like that, expectations for the night were high to say the least.
Following several years of hard work and planning the Museum held it’s spectacular, grand opening!
The project, led by Cassandra Hawk, Magus of the Royal Court of Magic Affairs has been in the works for some time! Through many meetings, a team of hard-working enthusiasts have created, what may be, one of the greatest collections of Magical artifacts and knowledge this side of Dalaran. Curated by Miss Auxelie Mayer, the Museum hopes to follow in the footsteps of the Adamant Scholars, providing lectures, introduction courses and practical courses for interested parties, something any budding mage I’ve no doubt would appreciate.
After welcoming the evenings guests, we were treated to a free tour of the facilities! The Museum holds a range of artifacts from across Azeroth (Is Karazhan on Azeroth? Who knows!), information about each is available and provided along with the guided tour!
If you’re a fan of interactive activities the Museum has you covered on this too! The second floor holds a bunch of interactive magical runes! Something the kids would likely love, if you’re looking to head on a day out with the family! All in all, the Museum of Arcane Arts and Wonders makes for a great experience of magic, for the young and old, Archmages and students!
I was lucky enough for Miss Meyer to agree to an interview, to discuss the Museum.
A. Valleysong: “How did you come into the role of Curator of a Museum?”
Auxelie Mayer: “The Museum was first known as a Royal Court project. It has been in progress for almost three years. I was invited to take part in it by Lady Aldieth Cloudwhisper a little more than a year ago. Many meetings have been had ever since. I was chosen by the last leader of the project, Miss Cassandra Hawk who stepped in after Lady Cloudwhisper. It was the object of one of our meetings. Which was not a decision that got everyone approval at first ..."
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A. Valleysong: “If I remember correctly you have a background in Education, that must have been useful experiance for the Museum?"
Auxelie Mayer: “ Precisely. I have created and ran an association for free arcane education here, in Dalaran. What started as a study group became a gathering place for students and teachers alike. A safe space to learn and exchange about magic and more. “
A. Valleysong: “Could you tell me more about what the Museum hopes to achieve, and, what plans - if any - there are for the near future?”
Auxelie Mayer: “Of course. The first goal for the Museum is to provide access to arcane knowledge to the widest audience. The choice of the Mortwake Tower is not innocuous. We hope to be able to bring people to the region of Westfall, and contribute to the education effort there. Aside from the tours, it is my personal wish to host lectures, field trips and workshops accessible to everyone. We'll be happy to offer academies, researchers and students the opportunity to contribute to research on the artefacts exhibited in the Museum as well, following of course a strict protocol.
A. Valleysong: “Would you say Accessibility is a primary focus of yours?”
Auxelie Mayer: “Yes. It's been the centre of a lot of discussion. Of course, the Museum needs money to keep running. But as long as I will be leading it, the focus will be on giving as many people as possible the possibility to have access to arcane education.”
A. Valleysong: “is there anything you would like to say too our readers, on behalf or yourself as Curator or the Museum?"”
Auxelie Mayer: “Arcane arts are like many things in life. It seems overwhelming and out of reach, but more often than not, all that it takes to actually be within reach is to take just one step forward. If the Museum can be the start of the great adventure that is learning to be a mage for many people, then I will consider it a success.”
We thank Miss Meyer for her time! And look forward to seeing what the Museum becomes over the next few years.