National Science and Media Museum — Stories of Innovation

Where Science Meets Creativity

In the heart of Bradford, the world’s first UNESCO City of Film, stands the National Science and Media Museum. This exciting, interactive museum celebrates the link between science, technology, and storytelling.

Part of the Science Museum Group, it explores how photography, film, television, and sound have shaped modern life. Free to enter and full of discovery, it’s one of Yorkshire’s most inspiring museums for families, students, and creative minds.

From Light to Lens — A Brief History

The museum opened in 1983 as the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television. Over time, it expanded to cover digital innovation, gaming, and sound.

Its goal remains the same — to show how science fuels creativity. Therefore, every exhibit connects invention to imagination. From early cameras to IMAX technology, each display tells a story of progress and possibility.

Explore the Galleries
1. Wonderlab: The Science of Light and Sound

This gallery invites visitors to experiment with colour, reflection, and vibration. You can bend light, mix sounds, and create your own illusions.
In addition, live shows and demonstrations make complex science simple and fun. Children especially love the interactive exhibits — learning without realising it.

2. The Kodak Gallery — Capturing the Moment

The Kodak Gallery traces the evolution of photography from the 1800s to today. Visitors can see early cameras, glass negatives, and portraits that changed how we record memories.
Moreover, displays reveal how photography shaped journalism, art, and daily life.

3. Television and Broadcasting

This section explores the birth of broadcasting — from early BBC studios to modern streaming.
Old cameras, microphones, and control panels show how television brought the world into our homes.
As a result, visitors understand how science made storytelling accessible to everyone.

4. Animation, Gaming, and Digital Media

Modern creativity comes alive here. You’ll see storyboards, models, and games that blend art and technology.
Furthermore, behind-the-scenes exhibits show how animation and coding turn ideas into worlds of imagination.

5. Pictureville Cinema and IMAX

The museum is also home to Pictureville Cinema, one of the few UK venues with a true IMAX screen.
Here, film lovers enjoy everything from Hollywood blockbusters to cult classics and festivals celebrating world cinema.
Consequently, it’s a must-visit for anyone passionate about film.

Learn more at the official museum website

Visiting the National Science and Media Museum
How to Get There

Address: Pictureville, Bradford BD1 1NQ

By Train: 5-minute walk from Bradford Interchange or Forster Square.

By Bus: Frequent services stop nearby.

By Car: Parking at Sharpe Street and The Broadway.

Opening Hours & Admission

Open Wednesday–Sunday, 10am–5pm. Entry is free.

Facilities

Café and gift shop

Family-friendly interactive areas

Fully accessible galleries and lifts

IMAX and Pictureville cinemas on site

Nearby Attractions

Cartwright Hall Art Gallery: Victorian gallery in scenic Lister Park.

Bradford Industrial Museum: Explore Yorkshire’s textile heritage.

Salts Mill, Saltaire: Art, books, and David Hockney exhibits in a UNESCO site.

Impressions Gallery: Contemporary photography near City Park.

Together, they create a lively Bradford Culture and Innovation Trail.

You might also enjoy our features on The Hepworth Wakefield
and Leeds City Museum

Why Visit the National Science and Media Museum?

The National Science and Media Museum captures the excitement of discovery — showing how creativity and technology have always worked hand in hand.

Whether you’re marvelling at early cameras, experimenting in Wonderlab, or watching a film on the giant IMAX screen, every moment sparks curiosity and inspiration.

It’s not just a museum — it’s a celebration of how science shapes our stories.