Bristol’s much-loved We The Curious science centre reveals what visitors can expect to find inside as the venue prepares to reopen

Bristol’s much-loved science centre and educational charity, We The Curious, reopens to the curious minds of Bristol and beyond on 2 July 2024.

This summer, visitors can expect a day out that’s full of play and surprises, from flying through space in the Planetarium, getting inventive in a new programme of ‘impossible’ activities, and rediscovering more than 200 eye-opening, mind-blowing things to do across the centre’s two floors of interactive exhibits.

All your favourite exhibits will be here to welcome you back (some of which have had a facelift), from making giant bubbles, to stepping into a tornado and launching parachutes.

You’ll also find a whole host of new experiences - such as brand-new Planetarium shows, an exciting, hands-on summer programme, and a new look foyer, café and shop. 

Image: We The Curous, credit Lisa Whiting 

Discover all the information about the activities you can expect to see here, including:

• Project What If – open for just 10 months before the closure, this exhibition will feel new to many. Inspired by real questions from the people of Bristol, Project What If is an invitation to escape into a mysterious world of possibilities in a space where art and science collide. Peer inside the TARDIS, come face to face with an early ancestor in Sand, or meet the resident robot in Soul
• The Planetarium – The UK’s first 3D digital Planetarium, with presenter-led shows for a range of ages, including seasonal stargazing show Colossal Cosmos, an expedition across the solar system, and a new under 6s show, Spin the Spaceship
• ‘Impossible, Possible’ – from seemingly impossible conditions for plants to grow, to climate crisis issues and the secrets of shopping, the activities will help to explore the concept of Impossible/Possible in all its forms by working together to tackle seemingly impossible challenges
• Open City Lab, Shopping Trolley Secrets – explore the links between the items on the shelves and real-world research in this on-site science lab, and have your say about sharing your purchasing habits
• The Box, Hidden Health – get hands-on. Play on a bespoke arcade machine, cuddle a giant soft sculpture and write your own personal message on a cloud and add to the sky wall! Step inside to join in the conversation and reflect on your own hidden health story

A few of We The Curious’ much-loved special events will be back in the autumn, including Toddler Takeovers, Planetarium Nights and Relaxed morning events. Keep an eye on social media to hear when tickets go on sale for these later in the year. 

We The Curious are also hosting an opening celebration weekend on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 July – tickets are on sale now.

Image: We The Curious, credit Lisa Whiting

Donna Speed, CEO at We The Curious said: “It’s been a whirlwind of activity at We The Curious as we prep for reopening so it’s fantastic to say that it’s officially time to open our doors! We’ve seen an overwhelming amount of love and excitement since we announced the reopening date earlier this year and we can’t wait to welcome people back to explore their favourites and be surprised by something new. We hope you’ll join us this summer to celebrate We The Curious being a thriving part of Bristol once again.”

Prebooking is strongly advised to guarantee entry to We The Curious and is necessary for the Planetarium shows, so grab your tickets now. Members are also encouraged to prebook, however there’s a small allocation of walk-in member tickets available, subject to availability.

Doors will be open from Tuesday – Sunday between 10:00 and 17:00 during termtime, and daily between 10:00 and 17:00 during school holidays, with timed entry slots.

Book online at wethecurious.org, email information@wethecurious.org, or call +44 (0)1179151000 (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm) to secure your spot.