Can you remember the millennium? I may have only been a child, but it felt like a time full of incredible hope and wonder… Part of that excitement in Bristol was the opening of a brand-new science museum on the new Millennium Square development. And, to an eight-year-old boy, it was the most exciting place in the world!
It’s now been 25 years since We The Curious opened on July 6, 2000 (then called At-Bristol, or @Bristol). To celebrate, the science centre is looking to create a new interactive experience that will live inside and outside the museum telling your stories—from the demolition of Canon’s Marsh warehouses to last year’s reopening celebrations.
“This month we celebrate 25 years of curiosity, and one year since we reopened,” said Donna Speed, CEO at We The Curious. “It feels like the perfect time to celebrate our place in the city, alongside everyone who has been a part of our journey. And there are a lot of us: Almost seven million have been through our doors!
“We The Curious is more than just a building; it’s a space that reflects and is shaped by the people who use it and their curiosity, so it’s really important that the Curious Timeline is as much about Bristol and its people as it is about us. We can’t tell our story without yours!
How can I help We The Curious?
The new interactive experience will be brought to life by local artists and the Creative Youth Network with your help! We The Curious is launching a huge call out for memories, photos and moments from the past quarter of a century and beyond.
Whether you remember the docks area before it was developed, the early days of Explore At-Bristol (like me), or are still a regular at We The Curious and the Planetarium, your story could be immortalised. The result will be the Curious Timeline. Made up of the stories you share, it will be open for all visitors and passers-by later this year. Since it opened, 6.6 million people have visited We The Curious, , so start digging through your phones, photo albums and memories now!
Donna Speed added: “The last 25 years have seen huge change – in the city centre, in science and curiosity, and in how we connect with each other. We hope the Curious Timeline will be a playful, powerful, living celebration of what happens when curiosity belongs to everyone, and we can’t wait to see what memories and moments come through.”
To share your stories of We The Curious head here.