National Science and Media Museum Announces January 2025 Reopening Plans and December Relaunch of IMAX
The National Science and Media Museum in Bradford will reopen on 8 January 2025, marking a pivotal moment as the city celebrates its year as UK City of Culture.
Visitors can look forward to a refreshed public programme, newly transformed spaces, and enhanced accessibility, thanks to a once-in-a-generation £6 million redevelopment funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and other partners.
Ahead of the full reopening, the museum’s IMAX screen will reopen on Friday 20 December 2024, offering screenings of Mufasa: The Lion King throughout the festive season.
The museum’s reopening will culminate in a celebratory weekend event on Saturday 11 January, featuring A Grand Day Out, a partnership with Aardman that will include screenings of Wallace & Gromit, model-making workshops, and family-friendly activities.
WALLACE & GROMIT A GRAND DAY OUT © 1989 NFTS / AARDMAN ANIMATIONS LTD
Highlights of the Reopening
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David Hockney: Pieced Together (Opening 15 January):
This temporary exhibition explores Hockney’s innovative use of film and photography, featuring his video installation Woldgate Woods and early photocollages, including a piece capturing the museum in its earlier days.
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Revamped Spaces for Visitors:
A modernised foyer welcomes visitors with soft seating, an updated shop, the popular Media Café, and a new passenger lift to enhance accessibility.
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Returning Favourites:
Beloved attractions such as Wonderlab and the Kodak photography gallery will reopen, alongside Yorkshire’s largest independent cinema.
David Hockney photographing the National Science and Media Museum, Bradford, 18 July 1985. Credit National Science and Media Museum and Science & Society Picture Library
David Hockney creating a joiner of the National Science and Media Museum, Bradford 19 or 20 July 1985. Credit National Science and Media Museum and Science & Society Picture Library
A Transformative Vision
The £6 million Sound and Vision project, launched in partnership with The National Lottery Heritage Fund, has revitalised the museum with the addition of two permanent galleries, a new lift, and significant entrance improvements.
Jo Quinton-Tulloch, Director of the National Science and Media Museum, said: “We are thrilled to reopen on 8 January and can’t wait to welcome visitors back to a transformed museum. With enhanced spaces, improved accessibility, and an expanded programme, this marks the start of an extraordinary journey for the museum and Bradford as UK City of Culture. Later in the year, we’ll unveil our spectacular Sound and Vision galleries, making 2025 a truly momentous year.”
Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North, at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, added: “It’s incredibly exciting that audiences will soon return to the National Science and Media Museum. After nearly 30 years, the museum has been revitalised to remain a star attraction for Bradford City of Culture 2025.”
Artist impression of the newly refurbished foyer at the National Science and Media Museum. Credit National Science and Media Museum
2025 Programme Highlights
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Yorkshire Games Festival (10–23 February):
This annual celebration includes half-term activities and Game Talks (12–13 February), featuring industry-led workshops and presentations by leading videogame developers.
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Power Up (Opening March):
A refreshed vintage arcade gaming experience with new features, including a BAFTA Young Game Designers section, showcasing award-winning titles and insights into the future of game design.
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Marshmallow Laser Feast Installation (Opening April):
An immersive, multimedia experience created in partnership with Bradford 2025, inspired by the Born in Bradford research programme, which explores themes of identity and humanity.
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Sound and Vision Galleries (Opening Summer 2025):
These new permanent displays will showcase the museum’s world-class collections of photography, film, television, gaming, and sound technologies, tracing their impact on everyday life.
Join the Celebration
Be part of this historic moment as the National Science and Media Museum reopens its doors, offering a wealth of experiences to inspire and engage visitors of all ages.
For more information and updates, visit: www.scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk