Explore the Science of Sound this half term at Science and Industry Museum

Unravel the secrets of sound at one of Manchester’s favourite family museums this February half term and explore the mysteries of music through experiments, play and performance.

From Saturday 11 to Sunday 26 February, the Science and Industry Museum is inviting everyone to march to the beat of their own drum and find their inner musician with interactive activities, special shows and unique performances all themed around the science of sound.

The power of music will also be explored in a world-first exhibition and the joy of gaming can be enjoyed through an immersive experience of computer consoles and games through the ages. 

Visitors can make noise and get creative with hands-on activities, including the chance to build their own music-makers and create their own tunes, or explore the secrets of sound in a new science show led by the museum’s team of expert Explainers.

A special weekend bonanza of performances on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19February will also give visitors the chance to get involved in music-making and moving their bodies to different sounds.

Visitors can also join experts working with sound and music in ‘Sound Sessions’ From professional guitarists to sound technicians, see professionals in action and gain insights into the STEM skills they demonstrate every day.

Encounter the thunderous sounds of Manchester’s mills during demonstrations of the museum’s historic textile machinery and experience the noises that would have affected 19th century mill workers. Then dial down the noise in special Acoustic Corners, where visitors can stay cosy and experiment with materials that change how sound travels.

Visitors can also enjoy world-first exhibition, Turn It Up: The power of music, and explore the science of music’s mysterious hold over us through a series of immersive musical experiences and interactive activities. Play, experiment and make music together in the specially commissioned ‘musical playground’. There’s even a chance to throw some shapes as the ‘Boogie to the Beat’ digital mirror motion tracks visitors’ Vogue, Renegade and Twist in the name of science.  

Discover five decades of video games in Power UP, the ultimate gaming experience with over one hundred consoles to play.  Revisit iconic soundtracks and revel in nostalgia with retro arcade classics including Pac-Man, rock out on Guitar Hero and tackle a virtual reality mission with Astro Bot.

Jamie Sloan, School and Families Manager at the Science and Industry Museum, said:” We can’t wait to bring the noise this February half term with two weeks jam packed with music and play. There’s something for everyone, from discovering the science of sound to creating your own music and playing hundreds of video games.

“We’ve taken inspiration from our world-first exhibition Turn It Up: The power of music to show that we’re all musical, whether we think it or not, and all have our own individual relationship with music. We’re looking forward to celebrating this and welcoming visitors of all ages to get involved and discover all the fun they can have with sound.”

General admission tickets to the museum are free. Tickets, for Turn It Up (www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk/whats-on/turn-it-up) and Power UP (www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk/whats-on/power-up)   £8 for adults/£6 for children, can be booked now.

Further details of the February holiday activities can be found on the museum’s website. (www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk/whats-on/february-half-term-2023)

The Science and Industry Museum is committed to being open and accessible for everyone. Visit its website to find out more about the accessible facilities available (www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk/visit/accessibility). The museum is also hosting a series dedicated accessible sessions in Turn It Up: The power of music. Find out more on the website (www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk/whats-on/turn-it-up)

For more information about what is on at the museum and to book tickets in advance, visit the museum’s website (www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk) or call 033 0058 0058.

The museum is currently undergoing a multi-million-pound restoration programme. The project is revealing inspirational new spaces and perspectives for all to enjoy, play and learn in. This includes carrying out crucial work to restore and tell the stories of the historic listed Power Hall and the 1830 Station and Warehouse; building awe-inspiring new indoor and outdoor experiences for families; bringing to life the story of the revolutionary railway; using its collections to create new galleries revealing the wonder of how Manchester’s past and present continues to shape the modern world.