School groups can embark on an intergalactic adventure when Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos launches at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester from February 2026, before moving to London’s Science Museum in March 2027.
The world (and galactic) premiere of Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos, a thrilling exhibition that will invite visitors to explore our wondrous Solar System launches at the Science and Industry Museum (Manchester) on 13th February 2026 and at the Science Museum (London) in March 2027.
School groups will be propelled into the Solar System where mystery, intrigue and rocket-loads of silly and surprising science await. Students will venture through a series of cosmic zones, walking in the shoes of astronauts, exploring the life-giving energy of the Sun, marvelling at mysterious moons and discovering far-off weird worlds.
Left teetering on the edge of our Solar System, explorers will then find themselves staring into the dark depths of space, on the lookout for any extra-terrestrial life that could be staring back.
First for Horrible Science
Fresh off the back of the BBC’s Horrible Science, the display will encourage children to ‘do science the horrible way’ and join both scientists and supervillains to unveil the secrets of space. It will be the first time Horrible Science has been brought to life as a major exhibition and will see familiar characters from the series accompany visitors on their mission to find out more about our fascinating Solar System through interactive experiments, playful challenges and sensory exploration.
This includes Dr Big Brain, the galaxy’s greatest evil genius, who will need help with his diabolical plans to conquer the Solar System.
Andrea Lathrop, associate curator of exhibitions at the Science and Industry Museum, said: “This exhibition will be wild, silly and fun but underpinned by intriguing real-life science that will entertain and inspire the next generation of space explorers to make even more giant leaps for humankind.”
About the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester
The museum’s mission is to inspire all its visitors, including future scientists and inventors, with the story of how ideas can change the world, from the industrial revolution to today and beyond.
Located on the site of the Liverpool Road Station terminus of the Liverpool Manchester Railway, the world’s first purpose-built passenger railway, the museum’s significant buildings include the world’s first passenger railway station and the oldest existing railway goods warehouse.
The museum is currently undergoing a multi-million-pound regeneration project that will see new spaces opened and significant improvements made to some of its best-loved galleries.
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos will open at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester on 13th February 2026 for an 11-month run before landing at the Science Museum in London from 18th March 2027 – 27th February 2028.
Tickets to see the exhibition at both museums are now available to book online with school rates available.
