Public programme submissions

Tracing its origins from the Great Exhibition of 1851, the Science Museum has pioneered interactive science interpretation and is the most visited museum in the UK by school groups. We share the stories of innovations and people that shaped our world and are transforming the future, constantly reinterpreting our astonishingly diverse collection of 7.3 million items spanning science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine. 

The Science and Industry Museum is devoted to inspiring our visitors through ideas that change the world, from the Industrial Revolution to today and beyond. We are uniquely positioned to tell this story, located on the site of the oldest surviving passenger railway station, in the heart of the world’s first industrial city. Today we continue to celebrate innovative discoveries in science and technology.

At the National Science and Media Museum, in the heart of Bradford, we explore the science and culture of image and sound technologies and their impact on our lives.

Our galleries and exhibition spaces investigate and celebrate photography, film, television, animation, videogames and sound technologies. Our team of Explainers create learning activities that fuel the imagination. Our three cinema screens—including an IMAX theatre—allow us to showcase the magic of moving images from around the world in Bradford, the first UNESCO City of Film

The National Railway Museum in York is home to the world’s greatest collection of railway objects. Set in former railway buildings, the museum attracts visitors from around the world and tells inspiring stories of the past, present and future of innovation on our railways. Its unrivalled collection of world-famous locomotives include Mallard, Flying Scotsman and royal carriages. It also hosts a programme of exhibitions and events. A transformation of the museum that will reimagine the story of the railways, showcasing the latest technology and providing interactive experiences and a world-class welcome to our visitors.

Locomotion displays highlights of the national collection of rail vehicles in Shildon, the world’s first railway town, in County Durham. The museum celebrates early pioneers of the Stockton and Darlington Railway and their impact on the global railway story. It is home to historic vehicles such as Locomotion No. 1, the first steam-powered locomotive to run on a public railway, and for a temporary period, Stephenson’s Rocket. The on-site workshop allows visitors to watch the engineering skills of staff and volunteers in action, who restore a wide variety of vehicles, including a Class 306 which transformed post-war commuter travel.

An exhibition is a large-scale visitor experience usually open to the public for up to 12 months and typically occupies at least one gallery space. Exhibitions usually present a curated selection of objects, artefacts and artworks that explore a specific STEM topic, aiming to inspire, educate, and engage visitors. Our previous exhibitions include:

• Science Fiction—A 1100m2 exhibition featured at the Science Museum which placed visitors in the heart of an exciting science fiction adventure exploring the imaginative worlds of tomorrow.
• Turn it Up—A 725m2 exhibition featured at the Science and Industry Museum and the Science Museum which explored the science and secrets around the impact music has on us.
• Top Secret!—A 850m2 exhibition featured at the Science Museum, the Science and Industry Museum and the National Science and Media Museum which uncovered the world of codebreaking, ciphers and secret communications. 
• Brass, Steel and Fire—A 250m2 exhibition featured at the National Railway Museum and the Science Museum, showcased rare and unique model locomotives exploring style, natural beauty, and industrial intrigue in an intimate workshop-like setting.
• Above the Noise—A 510m2 exhibition featured at the National Science and Media Museum, highlighting Bradford's rich history of self-expression, it showcased 15 stories told through words, photographs, sound installations, and new artworks.

Due to the planning required, each exhibition takes approximately 18-24 months or more to develop. Exhibition programming is often booked up 2-3 years ahead of time, so early engagement with this process is recommended.

Displays are smaller scale offers that could occupy a foyer, a single showcase, or pop up on the main museum floor. Displays have no typical duration, and are often driven by topical issues, new acquisition opportunities, or anniversaries. 

An event is a short-term activity that provides engagement for our visitors. From hands-on activities and interactive workshops to talks and performances, we create opportunities for visitors of all ages to interact, learn, and explore. Lead times for events can range – but a minimum of 6 months’ notice is recommended.

Some types of events include:

• Talks—Short, engaging speaker-led events on STEM topics for a general audience.
• Drop-in Events—Multi-sensory experiences that provide visitors with a chance to engage.
• Workshops—Hands-on, educational activities.
• Performances—Creative, interpretative presentations including music, dance, or storytelling.

Festivals are a collection of events, typically themed, that take place over several days or weeks. Previous examples of our festivals include: 

• Science Fiction Film Festival: Hosted at the Science Museum IMAX, this five-day event featured science fiction film screenings, panels, and discussions.
• Manchester Science Festival: Hosted at the Science and Industry Museum, this festival explored the extremes of nature, human capability, and creativity. Over 10 days, attendees enjoyed entertaining events, immersive performances, family activities, and hands-on experiences designed to inspire curiosity and learning
• Yorkshire Games Festival: Hosted at the National Science and Media Museum, this annual festival offers two weeks of exciting activities, including Game Talks, demos, and gameplay opportunities.

Lates at the Science Museum are themed evenings designed to engage adult audiences (18–35) with a wide range of fun, STEM-related activities. Lates are free and attracts around 3,000 visitors over the course of each night. 

Each Lates event features science-themed activities on topics such as climate change, social inclusion, and LGBTQ+ themes in STEM.