What’s On This May Half Term At The National Science And Media Museum

Prepare for a fun-filled May half term at the National Science and Media Museum with something for the whole family to enjoy – from nostalgic hands-on gaming to extraordinary interactive experiences exploring science’s big questions.

As well as Wonderlab and the Kodak Gallery, this half term marks the exciting launch of new permanent gallery, Power Up. The vintage arcade Games Lounge has been relocated and transformed as part of the museum’s ongoing regeneration project, with Power Up offering the same much-loved hands-on gaming experience in a refreshed space for visitors of all ages to enjoy.

What’s New: Power Up

Prepare to play your way through the history of gaming with Power Up! From the ‘arcade boom’ of the 1970s to iconic home consoles and brand-new releases from local developers, Power Up brings generations of games together in one gallery. Whether you’re reliving old favourites or discovering new ones, there’s something for every gamer to enjoy.

Formerly the Games Lounge, this much-loved space has been relocated and refreshed as part of the museum’s ongoing regeneration.

Tickets to Power Up are £3 and can be purchased via the museum’s website.

YOU:MATTER

Experience how we’re all connected to the natural world in YOU:MATTER, created by artist collective Marshmallow Laser Feast as part of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture. This digital interactive experience asks visitors to explore how everything can be traced back to the same cosmic explosion, using cutting edge creative technologies to playfully make invisible connections visible.

Tickets to YOU:MATTER are pay what you feel (£2 minimum) and can be purchased via the museum’s website.

Wonderlab

Embrace your curiosity in Wonderlab. This free permanent interactive gallery invites visitors to think like a scientist and discover more about the building blocks of light and sound. This May half term, the museum’s team of Explainers will be shining a light on all things code through live demos, hands-on challenges and a head-to-head Science Showdown. With live experiments and science shows running throughout the week, Wonderlab is the perfect place for families this half term.

Wonderlab is free and included in your general museum admission ticket.

IMAX

Visitors can also enjoy a selection of 45-minute documentaries in the museum’s IMAX screen throughout half term. These short films include Journey To Space, Our Frozen Planet, Cities of the Future and T. Rex, with topics ranging from space to the natural world – all presented on the awe-inspiring IMAX screen for a truly immersive cinema experience.

Tickets for all IMAX 45 documentaries can be purchased via the museum’s website.

The museum is still undergoing transformation, with two floors currently closed for refurbishment in preparation for the opening of two brand new permanent galleries on Thursday 10 July. The new Sound and Vision galleries will feature over 500 exhibits, showcasing world class collections of photography, film, television, animation, video game and sound technologies.