The National Science and Media Museum in Bradford unveiled its new permanent Sound and Vision galleries last night, marking the completion of a £6.8 million transformation. These state-of-the-art galleries, which open to the public from 10 July 2025, showcase over 500 objects from the museum’s world-leading collections, exploring the evolution of photography, film, television, animation, video games and sound technologies.
Spanning two floors, the galleries have been co-designed with local communities, young people and access groups to ensure a wide range of voices and perspectives are represented. Supported by a major grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and designed by AOC Architecture, the new spaces feature innovative displays and interactive experiences that bring the science and impact of media to life.
Visitors will encounter pioneering technology including John Logie Baird’s experimental television apparatus and the camera that captured the world’s first moving images. Highlights also include the iconic Marshall amplifier stack, a mixing desk used by The Prodigy and an authentic recreation of Bradford Community Broadcasting’s radio studio.
The galleries are divided into themed zones:
- Innovation traces the early development of media technologies
- Identities explores how people use media to express who they are
- Storytelling delves into the craft behind visual effects, animation and sound design
- Everywhere looks at how media permeates our daily lives
Interactive features include the Cottingley Fairies installation, a live gig mixing station and a chance to become a radio presenter. Visitors can also view significant artefacts such as Herbert Ponting’s camera from Captain Scott’s Antarctic expedition and costumes and props from cult films including Alien and Dracula.
The centrepiece of the galleries is a newly commissioned artwork, Circus by Nayan Kulkarni. This playful, immersive installation features digital mirrors inspired by Charlie Chaplin’s 1928 film The Circus, inviting visitors to become part of the museum’s story.
Community involvement has been at the heart of the project. Groups including SHINE West Bowling, Bradford Deaf Centre and Morley Street Resource Centre were key contributors, and volunteers gave over 1,900 hours to its development. Local voices helped shape the narrative, ensuring the galleries reflect the creativity and diversity of Bradford and beyond.
Jo Quinton-Tulloch, Director of the National Science and Media Museum, said:
“We are thrilled to launch Sound and Vision, a project years in the making and built in partnership with our community. These galleries celebrate how media connects us, reflects us and shapes our world. As Bradford marks its year as UK City of Culture, we hope this space will become a vital part of its cultural legacy.”
The Sound and Vision galleries open to the public on 10 July. Admission is free.
For more details, visit www.scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk.