First glimpses of the galleries (opening 10 July) show the installation of an extraordinary animatronic March Hare from Alice in Wonderland by Muppet creator Jim Henson and an authentic, interactive recreation of Bradford Community Broadcasting’s radio studio.
Marking the culmination of a £6.8 million transformation, the National Science and Media Museum’s Sound and Vision galleries – spanning two floors – showcase world class collections of photography, film, television, animation, video game and sound technologies. Following on from the museum’s 18-month closure and partial reopening in January 2025, the Sound and Vision galleries will welcome their first visitors on 10 July.
Thanks to a transformational gift from The National Lottery Heritage Fund – made possible by money raised by National Lottery players, the new galleries feature over 500 exhibits, a new art commission and a range of multi-media content. Designed by award-winning AOC architecture, the galleries mark the completion of the Sound and Vision project and they explore globally significant stories of technological innovation and social change.
The displays are created in collaboration with key audiences and community groups, ensuring that they resonate with a range of visitors.
In the first section, ‘Innovation’, visitors encounter some of the earliest examples of photographic, film and sound technologies and Europe’s first IMAX projector, first installed in the museum in 1983, providing a gateway into the evolution of visual technologies. From William Henry Fox Talbot’s earliest photographic negatives to Louis Le Prince’s single lens cine camera – a world first which captured moving film footage in Leeds – visitors can explore the origins of media technologies. Other highlights include the camera used by Herbert Ponting to document Scott’s Antarctic Expedition in 1910 and John Logie Baird’s groundbreaking ‘television apparatus’ from 1926. These pioneers found new ways to explore and share our world through the media technologies they developed, just as creators and inventors continue to do so today.
The ‘Identities’ section explores the countless ways that media technologies help us express who we are. Tracing the development of photography from early portrait studios to the first popular cameras and the ongoing development of digital imagery, photographic technologies have given millions of people the opportunity to capture their lives. This gallery also tells the story of home-made gadgets and communities that bring people together through tech. In Gig Zone, visitors can explore the ways in which media technologies have enhanced our shared experience of live music, showcasing a mixing desk used by The Prodigy and the iconic Marshall amplifier stack.
As well as telling our own stories, sound and vision technologies enable us to create rich, imagined worlds. The ‘Storytelling’ section of the galleries takes visitors on a journey through visual effects workshops, the sound worlds of Doctor Who via the Radiophonic Workshop, and the meticulous, technical work of some of the world’s leading animation studios. Iconic horror film props are brought to life in an evocative display featuring Dracula’s fangs as worn by Christopher Lee and a model of the eponymous Alien head and torso from the 1979 film.
Stories can be entertaining, but media technologies have also been used to trick and manipulate and the displays challenge visitors to think about what they can and can’t trust as they navigate them. At the intersection of entertainment and manipulation, the museum’s prized Cottingley Fairies cameras and photographs take centre stage in a special interactive installation.
Today’s museum visitors are used to sound and vision technologies being ever-present and the ‘Everywhere’ section asks how we got here and how media technologies have changed society. At the heart of the gallery is a newly commissioned artwork supported by Art Fund, ‘Circus’ by Nayan Kulkarni. In this playful experience, visitors move around a room of ‘digital mirrors’ - momentarily becoming part of the museum’s displays, highlighting our role in modern media technologies as both subject and creator. ‘Circus’ sees a double height space opened up between the galleries on levels 3 and 5 and by linking the two floors vertically through this central installation, Kulkarni’s work invites visitors to experience the gallery as one connected, dynamic space.
Visual media have been used across the world to share stories with and for communities – be it through travelling magic lantern displays in the 18th century right up to the present day with community shadow puppet shows. Radio has been a popular tool for the dissemination of national messages as well as amongst grassroots communities and this section of the galleries explores the rich tradition of commentary by the people for the people, with an authentic – and interactive – recreation of Bradford Community Broadcasting’s radio studio.
The Sound and Vision galleries have been shaped by the voices of people from Bradford and beyond. Through extensive collaboration, local communities have helped to influence not only which stories are told in the new galleries, but how. The museum’s Youth Forum and Access Panel played a key role in shaping the space, offering fresh perspectives and encouraging the museum to think differently about how to present star objects and stories from their collections to make them accessible and engaging to all.
Partners such as Allstar and BCB Radio have brought vital local perspectives to the galleries, reflecting the creativity and diversity of Bradford’s cultural scene whilst creating narratives that are relatable to people both from the district and those visiting. Individual contributors such as Paul Seal, a disabled gamer who developed a gaming setup that enabled him to continue to play through adapted technology, also shared personal insights that bring depth and authenticity to the galleries, highlighting how innovation in media technology can empower individuals. Collaboration with the Marshall Factory, a renowned name in sound technology, further added industry insight and national perspective to the galleries. Together, these contributions have helped make the galleries more inclusive, and representative of both local communities and wider society.
Marking a new era and launching during a momentous year for Bradford, these object rich and interactive gallery spaces confirm the museum’s position as a national museum rooted in its community. As well as spotlighting hundreds of previously unseen exhibits, visitors who know the venue well will sense echoes of the museum’s past, with a Dalek greeting them on Level 5, a delightful new exhibit on loan from Aardman animation studios and charming film footage of the magic flying carpet, captured by the legendary Bradford Movie Makers.
The Sound and Vision Project is generously supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund thanks to money raised by National Lottery players (Lead Supporter), Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture (Major Supporter), City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council (Associate Funder), DCMS/Wolfson Museums and Galleries Improvement Fund (Associate Funder), Art Fund, David Family Foundation, Sovereign Health Care, Spectacle Makers Charity and Shenward LLP.
Jo Quinton-Tulloch, Director of the National Science and Media Museum commented: “We are thrilled to be launching our new permanent Sound and Vision galleries this summer. They have been a true labour of love and collaboration, and they showcase our incredible collections in new and innovative ways. Our collections and the rich narratives they tell touch upon all our lives, from the first photographic negative and film footage to the advent of radio and television, and the power of sound technologies to bring us together. Our Sound and Vision galleries showcase how everyday objects have the power to be extraordinary.
We have worked closely with a huge range of people to develop the galleries, ensuring these spaces work for everyone and that our visitors feel represented in the stories we tell. Consultation with our local communities has been central in the development of Sound and Vision and it feels especially significant to launch the galleries during Bradford’s year as UK City of Culture. We hope the galleries will be a key focal point in our city’s momentous year and for a long time to come. And we are incredibly grateful to the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the support of National Lottery players for making Sound and Vision possible. We can’t wait to welcome visitors to explore our new galleries soon.”
Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund added: “We're incredibly excited that the Sound and Vision galleries at the National Science and Media Museum are going to open soon! Showcasing iconic objects that tell the story behind the photographic, film and sound technologies, that have played such a big role in our lives. In 1995, the museum was one of the first transformational projects in Yorkshire that received National Lottery funding from the Heritage Fund, and after 30 years we're proud to have supported the museum with another transformational grant for these fantastic new galleries."
ENDS
For further press information please contact:
Rebecca Land, Head of Communications and Advocacy
Email: rebecca.land@scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk
Call: 020 7942 4601
Alice Browne, Senior Press Officer
Email: alice.browne@scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk
Call: 01274 203 355
Notes
ABOUT THE NATIONAL SCIENCE AND MEDIA MUSEUM
The National Science and Media Museum in Bradford, West Yorkshire, opened in 1983, and has since become one of the most visited UK museums outside London. It draws on more than three million objects from its national collection to explore the science and culture of image and sound technologies, and their impact on our lives.
The museum creates special exhibitions, interactive galleries and activities for families and adults, and is home to Pictureville, Yorkshire’s biggest independent cinema with three screens including Europe’s first IMAX and the only public Cinerama venue in the world.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL LOTTERY HERITAGE FUND
As the largest dedicated funder of the UK’s heritage, The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future as set out in our strategic plan, Heritage 2033.
Over the next ten years, we aim to invest £3.6billion raised for good causes by National Lottery players to bring about benefits for people, places and the natural environment.
We help protect, transform and share the things from the past that people care about, from popular museums and historic places, our natural environment and fragile species, to the languages and cultural traditions that celebrate who we are.
We are passionate about heritage and committed to driving innovation and collaboration to make a positive difference to people’s lives today, while leaving a lasting legacy for future generations to enjoy.
Follow @HeritageFundUK on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and use #NationalLottery #HeritageFund
ABOUT BRADFORD 2025 UK CITY OF CULTURE
Bradford became the fourth UK City of Culture in January 2025. The district was selected by the UK Government in May 2022 from a record-breaking 20 bids, following Derry~Londonderry (2013), Hull (2017) and Coventry (2021) to take on one of the most prestigious and transformative titles in UK culture.
Bradford 2025 takes place throughout Bradford District, which covers 141 square miles across West Yorkshire. It features performances, exhibitions, events and activities inspired by the extraordinary variety of this landscape, from the city’s historic centre to the breathtaking countryside that surrounds it. It pays homage to Bradford’s potent heritage as everything from a former industrial powerhouse to the world’s first UNESCO City of Film. Most of all, it celebrates the people of Bradford, from local artists and creative organisations to the diverse communities who call Bradford home.
Bradford 2025 is created for, with and by the people of Bradford – and it has young people at its heart. With more than a quarter of its population aged under 20, Bradford is one of the UK’s youngest cities. Bradford 2025 is proudly reflecting this youth across all aspects of its programme, from education, skills and training projects to new artistic commissions centred on the lives, concerns and ambitions of young people today.
Bradford 2025 is set to spotlight Bradford’s dynamic contemporary arts and culture, from dance and theatre to film, music and even food. At the same time, it will cement Bradford’s reputation as one of the most welcoming places in the UK for artists, producers and creative entrepreneurs, with international exchanges, development programmes and new cultural investment benefiting the entire district.
The impact of UK City of Culture will continue long after the end of 2025. The district’s designation has already brought significant investment to the region, and Bradford 2025 is set to serve as a catalyst for development, regeneration and change – reshaping Bradford for the benefit of future generations.
Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture is supported using public investment from HM Government, Bradford Metropolitan District Council, West Yorkshire Combined Authority and through National Lottery funding from Arts Council England, National Lottery Heritage Fund, National Lottery Community Fund, Spirit of 2012 as well as private investment and donations from a number of trusts, foundations and corporate sponsors.
ABOUT CITY OF BRADFORD METROPOLITAN DISTRICT COUNCIL
Bradford Council covers an area of approximately 141 square miles, stretching across Airedale, Wharfedale and the Worth Valley as well as Bradford city and the towns of Bingley, Ilkley, Keighley and Shipley. It is the fifth largest Metropolitan Local Authority District in England. It is one of the youngest cities in the UK with more than a quarter of its population aged under 20. And it’s diverse –with more than 150 languages spoken within the district.
The Council believes culture is important in everyone’s lives. It can make a sustainable contribution to the prosperity and happiness of everyone in the District. In 2021 Culture is our Plan set out a bold 10-year vision in which Bradford will offer a new definition of art, culture and heritage that reimagines our District as a place that is knowingly different and radically alternative. A place to realise new ideas, where creativity is celebrated in every home and on every street corner and where we will prove the positive impact of culture in everyone’s lives.
Almost halfway along this journey and we are now celebrating being UK City of Culture 2025.
ABOUT DCMS/WOLFSON MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES IMPROVEMENT FUND
The DCMS/Wolfson Museums and Galleries Improvement Fund provides capital funding for museums and galleries across England to improve displays, protect collections and make exhibitions more accessible to visitors. In 2022-24, DCMS and the Wolfson Foundation each contributed £2 million to the Fund, which has benefitted more than 300 projects in its 20-year history.
ABOUT AOC (Agents Of Change)
AOC is a practice of architects and designers led by Tom Coward, Gill Lambert and Geoff Shearcroft. Established in 2005 and based in East London, the practice is best known for its new public buildings, transformation of cultural institutions, learning spaces and residential projects.
AOC engages with culture and communities to create buildings, places and experiences. They have particular expertise in co-creating new briefs and hybrid designs to meet contemporary challenges in sensitive contexts.
Completed projects include Young V&A, the transformation of the former Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green; Locomotion New Hall, a new open access collections building for National Railway Museum, County Durham; the School Green Centre, a community and cultural centre in Shinfield, Berkshire; Nunhead Green, an award-winning, mixed-use development in south London; and Somerset House Studios and Exchange, a contemporary art centre and shared workspace in a Grade I listed building.
Current projects include the transformation of The National Archives’ brutalist icon in Kew; the Priory, a performing arts centre in St Neots, Cambridgeshire; a new learning centre for Stonehenge in the UNESCO World Heritage Site; and Lloyd’s Register, the redevelopment and extension of a Grade II* listed building to create a new publicly accessible cultural institution in the City of London.
AOC have built a reputation for the quality of their designs, winning RIBA, Design Museum Designs of the Year and New London awards. The practice’s work has been internationally published and exhibited, including the British School at Rome, Royal Academy, V&A and Venice Biennale.