Unveil the Magic of Media: The New Sound and Vision Galleries Featuring the Animatronic March Hare and Iconic Puppets!
Opening 10 July 2025 – A ground-breaking Exhibition Featuring Iconic Puppets, Historic Media Technologies, and Interactive Experiences
The National Science and Media Museum in Bradford is set to open the doors to a ground-breaking new chapter with the unveiling of its Sound and Vision galleries on 10 July 2025. This monumental £6.8 million transformation will not only highlight the historical evolution of film, photography, sound, and animation technologies but also immerse visitors in some of the most iconic and innovative pieces in media history. One of the most exciting features of the new exhibition is a rare opportunity to see puppets from iconic films, including the animatronic March Hare from Alice in Wonderland created by the legendary Jim Henson’s Creature Shop. This addition marks a significant moment in the museum's history and reinforces Bradford’s place at the heart of the UK’s cultural scene.
Sound and Vision Galleries Herald a New Era for the National Science and Media Museum
The National Science and Media Museum is poised to debut its Sound and Vision galleries this summer, marking the completion of a £6.8 million transformation funded in part by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The galleries, spanning two floors, will showcase over 500 exhibits, interactive displays, and multi-media experiences, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the technologies that have shaped film, television, photography, sound, and video gaming.
Set to open on 10 July 2025, these galleries reflect the culmination of an 18-month renovation process and will serve as a major cultural landmark, particularly for Bradford, as it celebrates its year as the UK City of Culture.
A central highlight of the new exhibition is the extraordinary animatronic March Hare from Alice in Wonderland, a creation by the iconic Jim Henson, best known for his work with the Muppets. This stunning piece, along with other celebrated puppets, will offer visitors a glimpse into the magic behind beloved cinematic worlds.
As visitors move through the gallery, they will encounter historic objects and technologies that changed the world of media, such as William Henry Fox Talbot’s photographic negatives, the first European IMAX projector, and the pioneering camera used by Herbert Ponting to document Scott’s Antarctic expedition. These historical treasures offer a fascinating journey into the origins of media technologies and the visionaries who shaped them.
In addition to its focus on innovation, the galleries will delve into the role media plays in shaping our identities. From early portrait studios to digital photography, the Identities section explores how media technologies allow us to express who we are. The Gig Zone will highlight the intersection of music and media, featuring iconic items such as a mixing desk used by The Prodigy and a Marshall amplifier stack.
Visitors will also have the chance to explore Storytelling, a section dedicated to visual effects and sound design, where props from classic horror films like Dracula and Alien will come to life. This part of the exhibition highlights the technical craftsmanship behind the creation of unforgettable cinematic moments.
A key aspect of the galleries is their interactive and community-focused design, ensuring that visitors not only learn about the evolution of media technologies but also engage with them in meaningful ways. An authentic recreation of Bradford Community Broadcasting’s radio studio will allow visitors to explore the rich tradition of grassroots media, while the Everywhere section invites them to reflect on how ubiquitous media technologies are today.
The opening of the Sound and Vision galleries is a momentous occasion for Bradford, particularly as the city embarks on its year as the UK City of Culture. The museum’s director, Jo Quinton-Tulloch, expressed her excitement about the project, noting that the galleries reflect both the museum’s rich history and its future as a key cultural institution in Bradford.
Supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, and numerous other partners, the galleries are the result of a collaborative effort that includes input from local communities, ensuring that the museum’s narrative is inclusive and representative of the diverse voices that have shaped the region’s media history.
As visitors explore the exhibits, they will also encounter items from Bradford’s own cinematic legacy, such as a Dalek and a special loan from Aardman Animation Studios, further underscoring the city’s unique contribution to film and media culture. The Sound and Vision galleries are not just a celebration of technological progress—they are a testament to how media can bring people together, tell our stories, and shape our future.
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