Major Video Games Exhibition At National Science And Media Museum In 2027

The National Science and Media Museum has announced that a major new video games exhibition will open in March 2027. The exhibition will trace how the rapid growth of gaming technology over the last century has shaped the ways we play, create and connect with each other, with its impact now felt far beyond the games themselves.

As well as announcing the new exhibition, the museum has given an exciting preview of its events line-up for the year ahead including a Shaun the Sheep Halloween spectacular; Polar Express-themed Christmas programme; and the return of the Yorkshire Games Festival. 

Video games Exhibition (Opens 25th March 2027) 

Opening in late-March, this new interactive exhibition explores the history, impact and cultural significance of video games, revealing how the universal human desire to play has evolved from board games to the expansive digital worlds we can experience today. Visitors can take a journey through the story of video gaming past, present and future, examining how gaming shapes society, identity, communities, technology and how we learn, uncovering the surprising ways that video games impact our everyday lives. 

From video games superfans to newcomers, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Visitors can explore how different generations have experienced play and journey through the story of iconic gaming memorabilia and moments that changed history. Designed for families and curious minds as well as gamers, the exhibition will encourage visitors to discover together through interactive activities, creative challenges and hands-on experiences. 

The exhibition also shines a spotlight on the growth of the video games industry, revealing a sector that is both global and growing right on our doorstep in the North of England.  Alongside the exhibition, an exciting programme of video gaming-themed events from spring 2027 – early 2028, includes the return of the Yorkshire Games Festival in May. Watch this space for more events announcements soon. 

Mossy Bottom Laboratory (24th October – 1st November 2026)

Shaun the Sheep is coming to the museum this October half term for a packed programme of free and low-cost Halloween activities in partnership with Aardman and Sky. Inspired by the release of new film Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom (in cinemas September 18th) and the museum’s own collections, Mossy Bottom Laboratory  will bring Shaun’s Halloween adventure to life at the museum for a week of family friendly spooky fun. 

As well as seeing the new film, families can take part spooky live science shows, Shaun the Sheep themed photo opportunities and stop-motion animation workshops inspired by Aardman’s beloved filmmaking techniques.

On Halloween (Saturday 31st October), the museum will host an enhanced day of spooky activities for all ages. Families can get Halloween-ready with face painting, take part in a spooky silent disco and join family-friendly tours exploring haunting objects in the museum's collection, including iconic horror film props and Victorian spirit photography.

Halloween at Pictureville (15th-31st October)

This Halloween, Pictureville Cinema partners with horror giants Hammer Films for a spooky season of iconic titles. The season launches with a UK premiere of the new 4k restoration of 1958’s Dracula on 15th October, including footage believed to be missing for over six decades. As part of the event, cinemagoers can gain exclusive, afterhours access to the museum’s Sound and Vision galleries, including the Behind the Screams exhibit – home to the Dracula fangs worn by Christopher Lee. The season continues with a selection of Hammer classics and cult favourites, bringing the studio’s distinctive brand of British horror back to the big screen.

Pictureville also presents Monster Mash: Four Monsters That Changed Horror, a season curated by Christina Brennan bringing together four landmark horror films spanning more than 50 years of cinema history. Taking place on 24th and 31st October, the season looks at four iconic monsters that have shaped the genre with screenings of Frankenstein (1931), Bride of Frankenstein (1935), The Thing (1982) and Re-Animator (1985).

Christmas Movie Magic (Throughout December 2026)

Make a visit to the museum part of your festive tradition and experience The Polar Express on Yorkshire’s biggest IMAX screen. With screenings every weekend throughout December and daily in the week before Christmas, enjoy the festive cinema classic along with movie magic animation workshops; Winter Wonderlab live science shows; a festive photobooth and much more. There will also be a bumper festive film programme at Pictureville Cinema, with special screenings of The Muppets Christmas Carol, Arthur Christmas, Home Alone, Elf and lots more. 

For little visitors, there will also be screenings of shorter festive favourites at Pictureville Cinema every Friday throughout December, including The Gruffalo, Stickman and The Snowman. Families can also join cosy Christmas story time sessions in the Kodak gallery living room ahead of each screening.

Setting the Stage: 70 Years of the Eurovision Song Contest (Until 24th January 2027)

Setting the Stage: 70 Years of the Eurovision Song Contest remains open until 24 January 2027. Coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the Eurovision Song Contest, the exhibition explores the technological history and innovation at the heart of the world’s largest music event. 

The exhibition’s corresponding programme of events includes free activities for all ages, including dressing up, photo opportunities and a family gameshow. Until 28 November, visitors can also head to MakeSpace in the museum for a free wearable technology workshop, where they can build electronic circuits and create a light-up wristband to take home. Visitors can explore how light interacts with different fabrics, investigate colours, textures and patterns under microscopes, and design their own stage costume inspired by the Eurovision Song Contest.

Yorkshire Games Festival (29th May – 6th June 2027)

Yorkshire Games Festival returns from 29th May for a packed half term of family friendly gaming activities across the museum. The popular event invites visitors of all ages to engage with the latest gaming technologies and will include Big Screen Gaming, live shows, workshops, film screenings and gameplay.

The festival’s industry-focused Game Talks strand will return earlier in the spring, taking place in March. Game Talks brings together aspiring future game makers with leading global voices in the gaming industry. Past events have featured creators of games including Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, Alan Wake 2, Baldur's Gate 3 and Thank Goodness You're Here. The 2027 programme will feature talks, workshops, masterclasses and opportunities to network across the event, helping attendees make that crucial first step towards a career in games.

Pictureville Cinema

Pictureville Cinema continues to offer a varied programme of independent film throughout 2027, including unique screening events and carefully curated seasons. Highlights include a second retrospective on Alfred Hitchcock, following the success of 2026’s Four Seasons of Hitchcock. Writer, curator and podcaster Rebecca McCallum returns to Pictureville in March for another season celebrating cinema’s “Master of Suspense”.

On 21st March, Pictureville celebrates the centenary of Fritz Lang’s Metropolis on the anniversary of its British premiere, marking the occasion with a special live-scored screening from Northern Silents. Pianist Jonny Best and percussionist Trevor Bartlett will perform a live, improvised score to bring Metropolis to life in new ways, accompanying the landmark film exactly 100 years after its British debut.

For more information about upcoming events at the National Science and Media Museum, please visit: www.scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk