In what’s got to be one of the most highly anticipated reopenings ever in Bristol – more than the Bristol Beacon – We The Curious will reopen to the public this July. The city’s been crying out for the science museum’s return – a place for all ages that encourages “curiosity, creativity and ingenuity” – for over two years now. (We still lovingly remember the days it was called @Bristol, and so holds a special place in our hearts.)
On April 9, 2022, a solar panel damaged by birds triggered a fault in the electrical system, which resulted in a freak fire. While contained to the roof, significant water damage caused by extinguishing the fire meant the building needed extensive repair. The odds of something like this happening are 0.01%, according to We The Curious, but it has resulted in a multi-million-pound repair job.
But finally, We The Curious will reopen its doors on Tuesday, July 2, with an opening celebration event planned for July 6 & 7. Across We The Curious’ two floors, you’ll find more than 200 interactive exhibits at the much-loved science centre, plus plenty of new shows in the UK’s first 3D Planetarium and a new programme of ‘impossible’ activities.
“It’s been a whirlwind of activity at We The Curious as we prep for reopening so it’s fantastic to say that it’s officially time to open our doors!” said Donna Speed, CEO at We The Curious. “We’ve seen an overwhelming amount of love and excitement since we announced the reopening date earlier this year and we can’t wait to welcome people back to explore their favourites and be surprised by something new.”
What’s new at We The Curious?
All your favourite exhibits will return – from making giant bubbles to stepping into a tornado and launching parachutes. But We The Curious has had quite the facelift with a new look foyer, café and shop. There’s also a host of new experiences, such as brand-new Planetarium shows and an exciting, hands-on summer programme.
New activities:
- Project What If – Only sort of new, Project What If was open for 10 months before the fire, but will feel new to many. Inspired by real questions from the people of Bristol, the exhibition is an invitation to escape into a mysterious world of possibilities in a space where art and science collide. Peer inside the TARDIS, come face to face with an early ancestor in Sand, or meet the resident robot in Soul.
- The Planetarium – The UK’s first 3D digital Planetarium, with presenter-led shows for a range of ages, including seasonal stargazing show Colossal Cosmos, an expedition across the solar system, and a new under 6s show, Spin the Spaceship.
- ‘Impossible, Possible’ – From seemingly impossible conditions for plants to grow to climate crisis issues and the secrets of shopping, the activities will see us working together to tackle seemingly impossible challenges.
- Open City Lab, Shopping Trolley Secrets – Explore the links between the items on the shelves and real-world research in this on-site science lab, and have your say about sharing your purchasing habits.
- The Box, Hidden Health – Play on a bespoke arcade machine, cuddle a giant soft sculpture, and write a personal message on a cloud! Step inside to join in the conversation and reflect on your hidden health story.
Tickets for the opening celebration weekend are also on sale now here.