In probably one of the most anticipated reopenings ever in Bristol – maybe more than the Bristol Beacon – We The Curious has confirmed it will reopen to the public this summer. The city has been crying out for the science museum’s return – a place for all ages that encourages “curiosity, creativity and ingenuity” – and has been sorely missed for the past two years. (We still lovingly remember the days it was still called @Bristol, so holds a special place in our hearts.)
We The Curious has been closed for over 18 months after a freak fire devastated the building. On April 9, 2022, a solar panel damaged by birds triggered a fault in the electrical system, which then resulted in the 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 has resulted in a multi-million-pound repair programme. Just some of the needed included gutting the second floor, installing a brand new watertight roof, rewiring the building – with enough cabling to stretch from We The Curious to Bath City Centre – and the installation of four brand new air source heat pumps.
“We’re so excited to be able to announce our opening date this summer! The support we’ve had from our city has been incredible, so a huge thank you to everyone who’s continued to encourage us throughout the last two years – it really does mean a lot,” said Donna Speed, CEO at We The Curious.
“It’s beyond heart-warming to hear how special We The Curious is to so many and the fondness they hold for it – and also how people who haven’t visited before are itching to experience everything on offer. We can’t wait to welcome you back very soon, and see the venue filled with joy and energy again!”
When will We The Curious reopen?
We The Curious will reopen its doors on Tuesday, July 2, with an opening celebration event planned for Saturday, July 6. Across We The Curious’ two floors, you’ll find more than 200 interactive exhibits and new shows in the 3D Planetarium – plus, a new programme of ‘impossible’ activities. Tickets for the reopening event will go on sale closer to the time, but you can be the first to hear about further reopening plants by heading to the website and signing up to the mailing list here.