Autumn at the Science and Industry Museum

Gemma Gibb, Associate Editor
Autumn at the Science and Industry Museum - Distortions in Spacetime by Marshmallow Laser Feast
Marshmallow Laser Feast's Distortions in Spacetime

Autumn at the Science and Industry Museum at Science and Industry Museum, Castlefield 25 September 2018 — 28 April 2019 Entrance is free

Manchester’s renowned and much-loved Science and Industry Museum is a hotbed of discovery, heritage and experimentation this autumn with a stonking programme set to wow, challenge and surprise.

Where do we start? First up, Stephenson’s Rocket returns to Manchester for the first time in almost two centuries. Back where it all began when the first railways changed the world.

From October, prepare for over 120 mindblowing events in just 11 days at Manchester Science Festival. “Part laboratory, part playground”, the country’s biggest science festival, programmed by the team at the Science and Industry Museum, has once more pulled out all the stops. With a full-to-the-brim family programme there’s definitely more than enough to keep everyone out of trouble this half-term (adults included).

We couldn’t be more excited to play in the depths of space in Distortions of Spacetime, the latest experience from audiovisual gurus Marshmallow Laser Feast. Housed in the Science and Industry Museum’s historic 1830 Warehouse, we love that one of the most important heritage sites in the world, in the heart of the world’s first industrial city is pioneering the best in innovation today by allowing us to actually play in a black hole. Yep, you read that right.

We also recommend that new exhibition Electricity: The Spark of Life is in all of your diaries to catch before Spring.  Humans have battled to control and use this thrilling force of nature since history began. The Science and Industry Museum now reveals how the electric revolution changed the world thanks, in part, to pioneering Manchester inventors. Of course!

The Science and Industry Museum is always a top place to visit in our book. We love that it’s top of the game of what museums can be like for grown-ups and kids alike with the welcoming and accessible chitter chatter of discussion and play washing over you as soon as you walk in.

Autumn at the Science and Industry Museum at Science and Industry Museum, Castlefield 25 September 2018 — 28 April 2019 Entrance is free

Our top picks

Manchester Science Festival 2024

Manchester Science Festival at Science and Industry Museum, Manchester, 18–27 October 2024 - Book now

Meet a real-life cyborg, immerse yourself in a black hole or one of 120 other events in 11 days … yes Manchester Science Festival is back.

Manchester Science Festival 2024
© Manchester Science Festival
Manchester Science Festival 2024
FestivalsManchester
Manchester Science Festival 2024

Expect a packed programme of fun, family-friendly daytime activities and adults-only evening events spanning never-seen-before installations, live performance and interactive adventures.

Where to go near Autumn at the Science and Industry Museum

Manchester
Restaurant
Teppanyaki Chinatown

A Japanese teppanyaki restaurant in the centre of Chinatown. The focus is on high-quality food with a minimum of theatrics. It doesn’t disappoint.

Manchester
Music venue
Castlefield Bowl

The Castlefield Bowl is an outdoor events pavilion in the inner city conservation area of Castlefield in Manchester. The 8000-capacity arena is often used for food festivals and music events.

Great John Street Hotel in Spinningfields in Manchester.
Castlefield
Hotel
Great John Street Hotel

A converted Victorian school house nestled on the edge of Spinningfields, the Great John Street Hotel has a relaxed and decadent atmosphere.

Castlefield
Bar or Pub
Cask

Cask is a well-loved pub on Liverpool Road in Manchester. It has an excellent selection of continental beers and a cosy beer garden.

Castlefield
Event venue
Castlefield Viaduct

Launching in summer 2022, the National Trust and Twelve Architects and Masterplanners will be bringing a new lease of life to Castlefield Viaduct.

Manchester
Restaurant
Fenix

Modern Greek Mediterranean cuisine from the team behind Tattu.

Altrincham
Shop
IDAHO

Every piece in IDAHO has something special and will guarantee to make your homes, offices and wardrobes feel a little more inspiring.

Castlefield
Theatre
Versa Manchester Studios

Formerly the Old Granada Studios, VERSA Manchester Studios is evolving into a dynamic Studio Campus with TV, Film, Motion Capture and VR / AR Studios alongside a glamorous new Soho House.

What's on:

Until
ActivityLiverpool
Old Dock Tours, Liverpool

The Old Dock tour is a treat for younger and older visitors alike, fans of Liverpool’s maritime past, and anybody curious about local history.

£8.50 with concessions
Until
ComedyManchester
Creatures of the Night Comedy Club

An insanely committed seven-nights-a-week, Creatures of the Night Comedy Club opens its doors (20.30-22.30 typically, though please check) for evening after evening of side-splitting comedy.

from £5.00

Culture Guides