Discover and Explore at the Science and Industry Museum

Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor
Discover and Explore at the Science and Industry Museum
State of Mind installation at the Science and Industry Museum. Image courtesy of Orbie Pullen Photography.

Discover and Explore at the Science and Industry Museum at Science and Industry Museum, Castlefield Until 30 September 2025 Entrance is free — Visit now

Come rain or shine, whether you have just half an hour or an entire day, you’ll find something new to discover and explore at Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum.

Dedicated to the people and ideas that have shaped our world, the museum offers an interactive and stimulating experience for all ages.

This October, Manchester Science Festival takes over the museum for 10 awesome days of discovery and entertainment. Always a highlight in the cultural calendar, this year’s programme brings a cosmic line-up of family-friendly events, adult-only happenings, immersive installations, live performance and interactive fun.

Meanwhile, must-see exhibitions continue at the Science and Industry Museum. Reflect on the collective power of medical innovation and fast-acting scientists in Injecting Hope: The Race for a COVID-19 Vaccine, a free exhibition shining a light on the global and local response to the coronavirus outbreak. Plus, be sure to visit Stephen Hawking at Work to see extraordinary belongings and fascinating objects from the world-renowned theoretical physicist’s office.

Continuing its run during weekends and throughout school holidays is Power Up, an interactive gaming experience where you can play your way through five decades of the best video games. We’re thrilled that you can now purchase a new annual pass – meaning you can return as many times as you like over 12 months for just £15.00.

Whatever your age or interest, and, no matter how many times you’ve visited – there’s always something new to discover and explore at the Science and Industry Museum. Take a look at 40 Things to See, Do and Discover for even more inspiration.

Discover and Explore at the Science and Industry Museum at Science and Industry Museum, Castlefield Until 30 September 2025 Entrance is free Visit now

Our top picks

Injecting Hope: The race for a COVID-19 vaccine at the Science and Industry Museum

Injecting Hope: The race for a COVID-19 vaccine at Science and Industry Museum, Manchester, Until 17 November 2024, free entry - Visit now

The exhibition celebrates the incredible effort from scientists around the world, responsible for the creation of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Visitor-in-Injecting-Hope-looking-at-2020-The-Sphere-that-change-the-world-by-Angela-Palmer-c-Science-Museum-Group
Image courtesy of Angela Palmer/ Science Museum Group.

Manchester Science Festival 2024

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

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.

Manchester Science Festival 2024
© Manchester Science Festival

Stephen Hawking at Work at the Science and Industry Museum

Stephen Hawking at Work at Science and Industry Museum, Manchester, Until 30 September 2025, free entry - Visit now

Explore incredible objects from the world-renowned theoretical physicist’s office in this special display.

Stephen Hawking at Work
Science Museum Group - © The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum.

Power Up at the Science and Industry Museum

Power UP at Science and Industry Museum, Manchester, Until 30 March 2025, from £8.00 - Book now

From Mario to Sonic and Pong to Fortnite, play your way through five decades of the best video games. Fun AND educational. Win-win.

Boy playing retro arcade games in Power Up.
Image courtesy of the Science and Industry Museum.

40 Things to See, Do and Discover at the Science and Industry Museum

40 Things to See, Do and Discover at Science and Industry Museum, Manchester, Until 30 September 2025, free entry - Visit now

Discover 40 of the highlights and hidden gems that are available to explore every day at the Science and Industry Museum.

40 Things to See, Do and Discover at the Science and Industry Museum
Science and Industry Museum © The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
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 Discover and Explore 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: Exhibitions

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