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Explore science, gaming and engineering this summer at one of the region’s best loved family museums.

From 20 July to 1 September, the Science and Industry Museum is inviting scientists, innovators and engineers of the future to experience a jam-packed summer holiday programme of free activities and explore ideas that change the world.

A whole host of hands-on events will delve deeper into the science behind space, machines, our bodies and more, as well as reveal some of the museum’s special spaces during its current large-scale repair project. Ultimate gaming experience, Power Up, will put players to the test with five decades of consoles to explore, while free exhibition, Injecting Hope: The race for a COVID-19 vaccine, will share one of the most important scientific stories of our time. 

There’ll be something new to discover every day, with pop-up activities that dive deeper into engineering, the world of medicine and the innerworkings of our city. Families can discover what goes on inside an engine, use metal detectors to explore a special sand pit or examine the marvellous machines that help us look inside our bodies. Budding engineers can also get hands-on with special activities inspired by plans and blueprints of collections from the museum’s archive.

A brand-new science show will invite visitors to explore the hidden worlds uncovered by incredible engineers. From images of deep space to microscopic pictures of the world around us, the museum’s expert Explainers will take audiences on the ultimate journey to help us think differently about our world.

Demonstrations of the museum’s historic textile machinery will bring to life Manchester’s industrial past. For the first time, visitors will get to see the inner workings of these historic objects, as cameras placed inside will broadcast footage of the intricate workings of these magnificent machines.

Special ‘Hidden Spaces’ tours will give visitors the unique opportunity to go behind the scenes at the museum.

The adventures will provide an alternative look at the site during a time when some of its historic buildings are closed for important restoration and improvement works, and include stops revealing how the museum operates day-to-day, such as the Research Centre where its archives are stored and a chance to explore the historic Lower Yard. The exciting excursions will run every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday through summer.

Free tickets can be booked on the day at the museum front desk, capacity is limited so book early to avoid disappointment.

Visitors can explore five decades of play with a ticket to Power Up, the ultimate gaming experience, where they can discover how far computer games have come. From retro favourites like Pac-Man and Street Fighter to virtual reality, there’s something for all the family with over a hundred consoles to explore. Annual passes are now available to purchase, meaning visitors can unlock a new level of play and gain access to the experience for a whole year.

The Science and Industry Museum is preparing to open the doors to a major, free exhibition that examines the global and local response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Injecting Hope: The race for a COVID-19 vaccine, will put the worldwide effort to develop vaccines at pandemic speed under the microscope, uncovering the inspiring stories of scientists and innovators around the globe who collaborated to tackle the world-wide COVID-19 challenge.

The exhibition will also examine the unique experiences and responses of communities in Manchester to the pandemic through objects and stories on display for the first time.

Alongside this packed programme, the museum will be hosting special family events across the summer. On Sunday 7 July the Eid Science Extravaganza, in partnership with MACFEST and Rochdale Science Initiative, will host a one-day festival for the whole family. Visitors will discover the links between science and culture and get hands-on with interactive activities and workshops.

From 19 to 25 August, families will be able to join special Pride activities celebrating our individual stories, all leading up to the museum taking part in the Manchester Pride parade on 24 August.

Chris Hill, Schools and Families Producer said: “This summer we’re excited to take visitors on a journey all the way from outer space to the inner workings of their bodies, inviting them to look closer and discover the science inside our everyday lives.

“We can’t wait to see the scientists, engineers and inventors of the future getting hands-on and celebrating the unseen side of science. With our special science shows, pop-up activities, behind-the-scenes tours and of course our amazing exhibitions, we’ve got six weeks full of summer fun for everyone to discover.”

Free museum for all events and exhibitions can be booked now for the summer. Further details of all summer activities can be found on the museum’s website. www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk/whats-on/summer-2024