Chester Zoo to bring Sir David Attenborough’s Our Story to the
north of England for the first time
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Chester Zoo is set to host Our Story with David Attenborough, an acclaimed immersive production developed in partnership with Sir David Attenborough and award-winning Open Planet Studios.
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The experience has already attracted more than 245,000 visitors during its run at London’s Natural History Museum.
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The zoo will become the first venue outside London to present the complete original experience.
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Over 50 minutes, audiences will journey through Earth’s 4-billion-year history before exploring the comparatively recent story of humankind.
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Natural history footage, scientifically accurate animation, 360-degree projections and an original musical score combine to immerse visitors in the story of our planet.
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Visitors can experience Our Story with David Attenborough at Chester Zoo from 17 October 2026.
Our Story with David Attenborough - Natural History Museum
Chester Zoo to bring Sir David Atte ... England for the first time
A spectacular immersive production narrated by Sir David Attenborough is coming to Chester Zoo this autumn, bringing Our Story with David Attenborough to audiences in the north of England for the first time.
The experience opens at Chester Zoo on 17 October, following its successful run at London’s Natural History Museum. The zoo will be the first venue outside the capital to host the complete exhibition.
More than 245,000 visitors have experienced Our Story in London since it launched in June 2025, with the run extended after a series of sold-out performances.
Created in partnership with Sir David Attenborough and award-winning Open Planet Studios, the 50-minute production immerses audiences in remarkable natural history footage, cutting-edge animation and 360-degree projections that transform the surrounding walls and floors.
The experience weaves together two extraordinary stories: Earth’s four-billion-year evolution and the more recent rise of humankind. It explores humanity’s far-reaching influence on the planet while highlighting how we can work alongside nature to help shape a more sustainable future.
Chester Zoo to bring Sir David Attenborough's Our Story to the north of England for the first time
Sir David Attenborough experiences Our Story with David Attenborough 8 - (c) Open Planet Studios, Photographer - Gavin Thurston
Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, drawing on his lifetime of exploring and documenting the natural world, Our Story concludes with an uplifting message of hope, reminding audiences that they can help shape the future of our planet.
For the first time outside London, the complete original-scale production of Our Story with David Attenborough will be presented at Chester Zoo, taking over the site’s former Ape House for a new run.
The experience is a natural addition to Chester Zoo’s 130-acre site, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to preventing extinction and its work as a leading conservation and education charity.
Dom Strange, Chief Operating Officer at Chester Zoo, said:
“Our Story is about the biggest story there is - the story of our planet and our place within it.
“That makes Chester Zoo a natural home for this extraordinary experience. We’re hugely excited to bring it to Chester, and particularly proud that we’re the first place outside London where people can experience the full exhibition.
“We want people to leave feeling inspired by the incredible world we’re part of - but also empowered to play their own role in protecting it. That’s at the heart of everything we do at Chester Zoo.”
Open Planet Studios created Our Story with David Attenborough to bring audiences closer to what its creators describe as “the biggest story of all time” - the shared story of humanity and the planet. Instead of simply watching a film or viewing a traditional exhibition, visitors become immersed in the experience, journeying through time and space as remarkable imagery surrounds them.
The original production at the Natural History Museum featured 17 projectors and 50 speakers, bringing together cinematography, animation and storytelling with an original score by Tony Award- and Olivier Award-nominated composer Nick Powell.
Dr Doug Gurr, Director of the Natural History Museum, said:
“Our Story with David Attenborough has been one of the museum’s most successful experiences, immersing audiences in a wonderous exploration into our relationship with planet Earth. The museum’s mission is to create advocates for our planet and we and Open Planet Studios are keen to take the experience to as many people as possible. We are delighted that Chester Zoo is joining us on that journey to share this cinematic story with their visitors.”
Our Story with David Attenborough opens at Chester Zoo on 17 October 2026.
For tickets and further information, visit https://www.chesterzoo.org/events/our-story-with-david-attenborough