An exhibition exploring Stephen Hawking’s life and work will open in Manchester this summer, with recognisable objects on public display for the first time.
Stephen Hawking at Work is part of the Science and Industry Museum’s packed schedule for 2022.
Objects from Hawking’s office will be on display to the public for the first time, including his spectacles and an invitation to a time travel-themed party he hosted.
The display will show how Hawking used science and technology to aid communication after his diagnosis with motor neurone disease (MND).
The renowned scientist lived with MND for more than 50 years despite an initial prognosis of only two.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Revolution Manchester Gallery at the Science and Industry Museum. Credit: Drew Forsyth
He used a voice synthesiser from 1986 following an emergency tracheotomy, and had an analogue cheek sensor attached to his glasses to control the voice software.
Stephen Hawking at Work will also feature the latest generation of wheelchair he used, a Permobil F3 model.
ADVERTISEMENT
Visitors will be able to study Hawking’s rare PhD thesis too.
The exhibition will take over the striking new £5m Revolution Gallery, before heading on a national tour over the next two years.
The popular museum will also be running a year of events and exhibitions marking the 100th anniversary of the BBC, and continuing its cancer exhibition.
ADVERTISEMENT
Visitors to the Manchester Science Festival in 2019. Credit: Science Museum Group
The Cancer Revolution: Science, Innovation and Hope exhibition, which explored how science is revolutionising cancer care, will remain in the Special Exhibitions Gallery until March 27.
From spring, the Revolution Gallery will host the Celebrating 100 Years of the BBC in Manchester exhibition.
There’ll be a bumper programme of exhibitions, displays, online content and events across the country exploring how trailblazers shaped broadcast technology and look at what the future may hold.
The Science and Industry Museum will host Amazonia, a photography exhibition that celebrates the indigenous peoples and varied landscapes of the Brazilian rainforest this summer.
ADVERTISEMENT
Then the Musical Mind exhibition will arrive in October, exploring the science of why humans connect with music.
In 2022, updates to the Experiment Gallery will be revealed, including the additions of a thermal image camera, large-scale shadow box, a buzz wire game and a collaborative ball run wall.
Science and Industry Museum announces programme of FREE ‘spooktacular’ October half term activities
Emily Sergeant
One of Manchester’s best museums has announced a programme of free ‘spooktacular science’ activities for October half term.
With half term right around the corner and Halloween not far off either, it won’t be long before parents and carers are looking for ways to keep little Mancs occupied… luckily, the Science and Industry Museum has got you covered.
With only a few weeks to go until schools in Greater Manchester are out for October half term, the massively popular museum in the heart of Manchester city centre has unveiled a jam-packed lineup of free events.
Families are being told to get ready for ‘spooktacular’ science, hands-on activities, and loads of interactive fun, all inspired by the popular Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos exhibition.
You can storyboard and then animate your own extra-terrestrial character inside the Animation Studio, let your imagination run wild and design your own alien species, or even go on a galactic treasure hunt around the museum and build your own interstellar spaceship with a giant rocket building kit.
Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum has announced a programme of free ‘spooktacular’ October half term activities / Credit: Science Museum Group
In the mornings, you can take a break from your cosmic adventures and enjoy family-friendly sci-fi screenings in Revolution Manchester.
You’ll also then be able to put your skills to the test with classic space-themed games on the big screen every day in the afternoon.
And don’t forget, this half term is your only chance to meet Albert Slime-stein – a larger-than-life monster who’ll be popping up in the Upper Yard as part of the annual Halloween in the City MCR Monsters trail.
If you’re planning on visiting on actual Halloween day itself, then the museum is inviting you to come dressed in your best costume so you can get properly stuck into all the spooky fun.
The unveiling of the October half term events programme comes after the museum also announced that its popular adults-only ‘after hours’ event would be returning for one night only later this month, also with a Halloween twist.
Museum After Hours is happening on Thursday 29 October from 7pm-10pm, with tickets setting you back £12 each or £6 for concessions. Find out more here.
Science and Industry Museum’s October Half Term Programme is running from 24 October to 1 November. Entry to the museum (except the exhibitions) is free of charge, but it’s advised that you book your admission in advance, as it’s expected to be busier than normal.
Featured Image – Drew Forsyth (Science Museum Group)
What's On
Printworks is hosting a FREE ‘fireworks’ display on its digital ceiling this Bonfire Night
Emily Sergeant
Printworks is hosting a free ‘fireworks’ display on its digital ceiling next month.
Aiming to ‘bring Bonfire Night to life’ next month, Printworks has announced it’ll be hosting a dazzling evening of lights, music, stories, and Manchester spirit, as the iconic venue transforms Europe’s largest digital ceiling into a spectacular celebration for all the family.
Kicking off from 4:30pm, the free event will begin with an incredible display of ‘Manchester Stars’, where hundreds of stars will appear across the ceiling, each carrying the name of a real Manchester hero, creating a unique celebration of the people who make the city shine.
Members of the public can nominate someone to become a star, whether it’s a child, parent, grandparent, friend, colleague, community champion, or simply someone who deserves a little extra recognition. Nominations can be made here.
Printworks is hosting a free ‘fireworks’ display on its digital ceiling this Bonfire Night / Credit: Jason Lock (via Supplied)
Two cosy story time sessions with BBC Radio One and former CBBC presenter, Katie Thistleton, and children’s favourite, Hacker T Dog, will follow the star display, and each child will receive light-up headphones to enjoy the sessions in a dedicated chill-out zone.
Then comes the main event, Printworks’ digital ceiling will take centre stage for two firework displays between the story time sessions, including a dedicated SEN-friendly display at replacing the traditional loud noises with incredible visual effects, designed to offer a more accessible and welcoming way for families to enjoy the festivities.
The main fireworks and music experience will follow at 6:15pm, before the fun continues on into the evening with a live choir.
If you get a little peckish throughout the evening, there will also be a pop-up dessert cart serving Bonfire Night-inspired sweet treats, while Barney’s Coffee offers up an autumn drinks menu featuring seasonal favourites, such as pumpkin spice lattes and chocolate orange hot chocolates.
“We’re really excited to welcome back Printworks’ Bonfire Night event for the third year running,” explained Sophie Rooney, who is the Marketing Manager at Printworks.
“With fewer bonfire and firework displays taking place in the city, it’s the perfect opportunity for families to come together and enjoy an evening of celebrations right here at Printworks.”
Printworks is promising an ‘immersive evening’ for all the family, free of charge. Find out more information and timings HERE.
Daisy Jackson -
12th January 2022 
