The Renaissance was a distinct period in history marking the transition from the Middle Ages to Modernity, bringing about significant changes in Europe. Derived from the French word for ‘rebirth’, it was all about the reawakening in art and culture, and science and technology, an incredible time of creativity, curiosity and genius that continues to have a lasting impact on our world today.

HOTA Gallery presents an exclusive series of Expert Lectures to extend your Italian Renaissance Alive experience. Each session will be delivered by an academic specialist in their field of Art History, Astronomy, or History, in relation to Renaissance events or themes. Join us for this incredible opportunity to hear firsthand from the experts in our region.

Astronomy in the Renaissance and the Birth of Modern Science

This lecture is presented by astrophysicist Dr Benjamin Pope. Astronomy during the Renaissance was poised on the brink of transformation - from a classical cosmos centred on the Earth, to Copernicus' understanding first that the Sun was the centre of the solar system, Giordano Bruno that stars might themselves be distant suns, and Galileo's telescope revealing the planets as worlds in their own right. All of these came into conflict with the Catholic Church - banned, burned, and imprisoned - and their legacy was the beginning of modern science.  

_{Image credit: Raphael, School of Athens, 1509-11}