We The Curious Marks 25 Years by Celebrating Visitor Memories
Science Museum Seeks Public Contributions for Interactive Anniversary Timeline
We The Curious in Bristol is inviting visitors to share their cherished memories and memorabilia as it gears up to celebrate its 25th anniversary with a unique, community-driven exhibition.
Crafting a ‘Curious Timeline’
The science museum, formerly known as At-Bristol, plans to construct an interactive timeline reflecting its history, with contributions from local artists, organizations, and the public. These can include photographs or other physical mementos that capture significant moments experienced at the attraction.
“It is literally going to be built by people’s experiences, memories and moments in life that we’re trying to trigger so that we can demonstrate the connection we have with our community and really celebrate that.”
—Donna Speed, CEO of We The Curious
Donna Speed, the museum’s CEO, emphasized the collaborative nature of the project, stating that the timeline will be shaped by the memories and contributions themselves, without pre-defined concepts.
The museum, which opened in 2000 and housed the UK’s first 3D Planetarium, has seen visitors engage with a wide array of exhibits over the years. These have included exploring human anatomy, creating animated films, and even experiencing simulated dissections in the Live Lab.
Resilience After Fire Damage
We The Curious faced a significant setback in 2022 when a fire, caused by a seagull dropping a stone on a solar panel, severely damaged the building. The museum remained closed for over two years, during which staff delivered activities to schools and communities across Bristol.
“The support we received from everyone was incredible, and being able to welcome visitors through our doors again has meant the world to us. Every day we’re open feels like something to celebrate.”
—Donna Speed, CEO of We The Curious
The reopening process was described by Ms Speed as one of the most complex and demanding challenges the institution had ever encountered. The museum’s resilience has been highlighted by a recent report noting that visitor numbers to UK museums have reached 80% of pre-pandemic levels, indicating a strong public desire to re-engage with cultural institutions (Arts Council England, 2024).
Community Collaboration for the Exhibition
The museum is collaborating with the charity Creative Youth Network to develop the anniversary exhibition, which is scheduled to be unveiled later this year. Interested individuals can submit their memories and contributions online or in person until the end of August.
