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.

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.

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

Where to go near Discover and Explore at the Science and Industry Museum

Wallers Brewery Sunbridge Wells
Bradford
Brewery
Wallers Brewery

The biggest bar in Sunbridge Wells, Bradford’s underground network of restaurants and bars. Serving food and drink in a historic underground venue.

woman lighting candles in a church
Blackburn
Place of worship
Blackburn Cathedral

Blackburn Cathedral is one of England’s newest Cathedrals, yet it is one of the country’s oldest places of Christian worship.

Atherton
Restaurant
The Snug

The Snug is a grassroots live music venue in Atherton, serving fresh coffee, craft ale and a smart range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.

Swarthmore is a centre for lifelong learning, community projects and family learning sessions as well as the courses and activities. Their main aim is to encourage people who want to learn but might not feel comfortable in more formal educational institutions. They work on a friendly, human scale, offering a confidential counselling service and learning support.
Leeds
Event venue
Swarthmore Education Centre

Swarthmore is a centre for learning at any age for those who don’t feel comfortable in more formal educational settings.

BOOKSHOP
Cheshire
Shop
Simply Books

Simply Books is an award-winning independent bookshop based in the heart of Bramhall.

What's on: Exhibitions

Culture Guides