National Science and Media Museum Transformation

The National Science and Media Museum in Bradford has undergone a significant transformation, with its sound and vision galleries receiving a £6.8 million makeover. The renovation has resulted in over 500 new exhibits, covering a wide range of topics including photography, film, television, animation, and video games.

New Exhibits

The museum’s new exhibits include an animatronic puppet from the 1999 Alice in Wonderland film, as well as a recreated community radio station. The March Hare puppet, founded in 1999 by Jim Henson’s studio, is a notable addition to the museum’s collection. The galleries will also feature an "authentic and interactive" version of the BCB radiodarium from Bradford Community Broadcasting (BCB).

Historical Artifacts

The museum’s collection includes a range of historical artifacts, such as the camera used to document Captain Scott’s 1910 Antarctic expedition and John Logie Baird’s 1926 television apparatus. Visitors can also see a mixing desk used by the electronic punk band The Prodigy, as well as a cape worn by Christopher Lee as Dracula and an alien head and upper body from the 1979 film Alien.

Interactive Exhibits

A section of the museum will be dedicated to the infamous Cottingley Fairies hoax. The museum’s director, Jo Quinton-Tulloch, said: "Our collections and the rich stories they tell us about our lives, from the first photographic negative and film material to the emergence of radio and television. Our sound and vision galleries show how everyday objects have the power to be extraordinary."

Funding and Support

The museum’s transformation was made possible with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. A spokesman for the fund said: "In 1995, the museum was one of the first transformation projects in Yorkshire to receive National Lottery funding from the Heritage Fund. After 30 years, we are proud to have supported the museum with another transformation grant for these fantastic new galleries." The renovated galleries will open on July 10th, offering visitors a unique and interactive experience.