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, Manchester 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, Manchester Until 30 September 2025 Entrance is free Visit now

Our top picks

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

food and drink
Restaurant
Belzan

Belzan is a modern bistro serving delicious food in a relaxed and friendly setting, in an unexpected location.

food and drink
Restaurant
NORD

A Scandi-inspired restaurants that celebrates Northern hospitality, with a seasonal menu made from locally-sourced ingredients.

food and drink
Liverpool
Restaurant
Mahoe Blue

Mahoe Blue is a bar and bistro that serves authentic Jamaican food in a cosy venue in South Liverpool.

music 2
City Centre
Music venue
Rough Trade

The largest of Rough Trade stores, it’s record shop, event space and concert venue in the heart of Liverpool, complete with its own gift shop

exhibition
Wirral
Gallery
Hamilton Vault Studios

A disused bank vault now conceals a unique gallery space and filming location, championing local creatives and their vision.

exhibition
Wirral
Gallery
Lake Gallery

Lake Gallery is an artist-run space in West Kirby, showcasing fine art and contemporary craft in regularly changing exhibitions.

literature
Library
Birkenhead Central Library

Birkenhead Central Library provides books and resources, and welcomes everyone to their community hub in a stunning, historic location.

library
Shop
The Reader, Calderstones Park

The Reader brings people together through a shared love of literature and their home is in the beautiful Calderstones Park in Liverpool.

bar
City Centre
Brewery
Ye Cracke

Hidden in the Georgian Quarter, Ye Cracke is a historic Liverpool pub, known for being John Lennon’s local in his student days

record shop
City Centre
Shop
81 Renshaw

81 Renshaw is a record store in Liverpool city centre, selling new and second-hand vinyl from a location with a long musical history

shop
Lark Lane
Shop
Larks

Larks is a vintage clothing and gift emporium in a bright pink shop where you’ll find a bit of everything, sprinkled with glitter.

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Wolf in Yellowstone
Until
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