LONDON.- The London Film Museum announced the opening of a brand new exhibition space, following a major redevelopment of the original Flower Cellars in the heart of Covent Garden. The inaugural exhibition ‘Magnum on Set’ is supported by original artefacts from the silver screen, and personal cameras used by the photographers.

The opening exhibition ‘Magnum on Set', is a celebration of cinema hosting some of the greatest photographers of the Twentieth Century from the legendary agency, Magnum Photos. It is the London Film Museum’s first ever exhibition using their own Apple iPad technology which enables the displays to be viewed in infinitely more detail, multiple languages and intelligent education packages (IEP) – the first attraction with this level of interactivity in the United Kingdom. ‘Magnum on Set’ will be on display at the London Film Museum through 1 September 2012.

The exhibition, which has never before been seen in the UK, hosts 146 of some of the most recognised film images in the world. The collection includes masterpieces such as Charlie Chaplin’s Limelight, Billy Wilder’s The Seven Year Itch, Nicholas Ray’s Rebel Without A Cause, Orson Welles’s The Trial, John Huston’s Moby Dick, Michelangelo Antonioni’s Zabriskie Point, and many more. Iconic actress Marilyn Monroe joins the prestigious collection in the emotive image of Eve Arnold captured in the Nevada desert whilst going over her lines for a difficult scene she was about to play with Clarke Gable in the film "The Misfits" by John Huston in 1960. There are also some exciting original artefacts including Eve Arnold's original Rollieflex, and Inge Morath's Leica, not to mention original props, scripts and costumes. The photographers associated with Magnum have worked with movie-makers since its creation in 1947. Robert Capa, one of the founding fathers, had many friends in the film business – including Ingrid Bergman, Billy Wilder, and particularly John Huston – which gave him and other Magnum photographers access to the charmed and exclusive world of Hollywood.

This connection to the film world has continued to the present day and widened to include movie-makers, directors and film stars from all over the world. This exhibition, with its great variety of photographers and movie-stars is a real enchantment for all those who love both photography and the moving image.

Founder and Chief Executive of the London Film Museum, Jonathan Sands, who began his career as a stills photographer at Elstree Film Studios 20 years ago says: “We are proud to be opening our latest Museum in Covent Garden together with this iconic exhibition which celebrates the careers of some of the greatest photographers of all time. We have been working closely with Capital and Counties PLC, CGAT, Westminster Council and architects KPF to build a new museum that is both creative and functional.

Covent Garden is such a magical place with such a sense of history, creativity and community, offering something for everyone who visits the area. The Museum fits in perfectly with the surrounding attractions, and we are delighted that we are able to continue to promote the Film Industry to a wider audience in this fun and artistic way.”

Bev Churchill, Brand Director, Covent Garden London is “delighted to welcome the London Film Museum to Covent Garden. As the cultural heart of the West End, the London Film Museum is a fantastic addition to the neighbourhood, and will offer a completely new experience to both Londoners and visitors, especially with its interactive technology and never before seen exhibitions. We look forward to the official opening in April and collaborating with the London Film Museum team on cultural activity in the area going forward.”

The Museum, which is located at 45 Wellington Street, London, has undergone a multi-million refurbishment to create an extraordinary exhibition space for the new London Film Museum following approved planning permission by Westminster Council in November 2010.

The new space has been specifically designed to allow The London Film Museum complete flexibility in creating dedicated exhibitions in addition to receiving touring exhibitions.