Wonderlab at the Science and Media Museum

Gemma Gibb, Associate Editor

Book now

Wonderlab

17 May 2017-3 May 2019

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Book now

We are jumping for joy that Bradford’s former National Media Museum, now part of the national Science Museum Group, has developed this brand spanking new £1.8 million interactive happy hunting ground.

A dreamland for curiosity seekers, the Wonderlab gallery is made up of over 20 exhibits, challenges and installations aiming to stimulate understanding of the world and technology around us. It’s state of the art and features some of the only experiences of their kind such as a giant Time Twister screen (see your body in a whole new shape) and a 3-D printed zoetrope by Japanese artist Akinori Goto (challenging your thoughts on illusion and perception).

Our other top picks include capturing a selfie to show your image as reflected through a drop of water (timed to the precise moment the water splashes), careering round the 8ft tall mirror maze, feeling music and sound through your teeth and body, exploring a laser tunnel and hollering through the 15m long echo tube.

Live shows and experiments include the opportunities to take pictures of the universe, create indoor thunderstorms and shoot sound using humongous cannons.

We love that Wonderlab is both playful and challenging. If this is a sign of things to come, we can’t wait for what else is in store.

Where to go near Wonderlab at the Science and Media Museum

Side view of mixed race business colleagues sitting and watching presentation with audience and clapping hands
Theatre
Burnley Youth Theatre

Burnley Youth Theatre is a vibrant youth arts organisation based at our purpose built venue in Burnley, Pennine Lancashire.

Bar pub 3
Leeds
Restaurant
Arcadia Ale House

Arcadia Ale house is a sports bar located in the Headingly area of Leeds with a range of drinks offers throughout the week.

Restaurant
Leeds
Restaurant
Pasta Romagna

Pasta Romagna is a family owned, independent restaurant in the heart of the city centre. Bringing you homestyle Italian cuisine since 1982.

wine bar 2
Leeds
Restaurant
Farrands

Farrands is an independent bar located in the heart of Leeds city centre, specialising in a range of fine wine, beer and specialist cocktails.

Restaurant
Leeds
Shop
George and Joseph Cheesemongers

George and Joseph is Leeds’ only specialist cheesemongers, serving some of the city’s best cheese from its home in Chapel Allerton since 2013

Wine bar
Leeds
Restaurant
Wayward Wines

Selling natural wines since before it was cool (well, 2017), this tiny suburban wine house is so much more than just a bar.

Beer shop
Leeds
Shop
Caspar’s Bottle Shop

Independent craft beer and spirits den Caspars Bottle Shop is a quirky Chapel Allerton favourite that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Dry Dock
Leeds
Restaurant
Dry Dock

Dry Dock has carved out a reputation as a fixture for students and locals alike over the last thirty plus years

Manchester
Bar or Pub
The Rat & Pigeon

A slice of alternative Manchester in pub form, down a grotty, gritty backstreet and with a disgusting name. What’s not to love?

Manchester
Restaurant
Butter Bird

Butter Bird is a newly opened casual but stylish restaurant in Ancoats, based around the very delicious concept of tea-brined chicken.

What's on: Families

Culture Guides

Ceramic Sculpture
Exhibitions

Across Manchester and Salford, exhibitions are thinking hard about how things are made – and how materials carry stories.

A pair of white angel wings displayed against a dark, black background. The lower parts of the wings are stained with vivid red, resembling blood splatter.
Theatre

This month’s theatre highlights span dystopian classics, political thrillers and bold new opera.

Music

From underground festivals showcasing emerging talent to global icons unveiling new work, here are our latest live music highlights.

Food and Drink in the North

Spring is coming, at some point. As for now, it’s cold and grim so take our advice and shelter in a nice warm restaurant, pub or bar.

Emily Lloyd-Saini as Grace in Space and Harrie Hayes as Lieutenant Strong in Horrible Science
Family things to do in the North

Whether you’re after storybook theatre, museum wanderings or illusion-bending play spaces, there’s plenty to keep curiosity ticking through winter and beyond.

A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night
Cinema in the North

There's no shortage of great films out at the moment, whether you're looking for the latest blockbuster, that hot arthouse flick fresh from Cannes or a cosy classic.