National Science and Media Museum
National Science and Media Museum
Ages
Price
Typical visit
About this place
The National Science and Media Museum in Bradford is a free-entry museum dedicated to the transformative power of image and sound technologies, from the earliest days of photography through to modern film and broadcasting. Spread across multiple floors, it holds some genuinely significant collections, including artefacts tracing the history of cinema, photography, and the media more broadly. Admission is free, though you can book tickets in advance online.
There is plenty to keep children busy for a good few hours. Wonderlab is a firm favourite with kids, an interactive gallery where they can get hands-on with light and sound through all sorts of mind-bending exhibits. The optical illusions section and cinema history displays are also popular, and the staff are known for being genuinely helpful throughout.
Beyond the galleries, the museum is home to two cinemas: the Pictureville Cinema and the IMAX, which has a 52-foot screen and is the biggest in the region. The IMAX shows everything from new releases to family films, while Pictureville runs a more varied programme including arthouse and special screenings. There is also a gift shop and a cafe-bar on site.
The museum is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00 and is well set up for families, with wheelchair-accessible entrances, toilets, and seating throughout. It sits very close to Bradford's bus and train stations, making it an easy trip without a car.
Plan your visit
Check the venue website for tickets, opening times and updates.
Photos
Facilities
What to bring
- Layers to wear (the museum is indoors but Bradford weather is unpredictable)
- Water bottle and snacks for little ones
- Comfortable shoes for walking three floors of exhibits
- A small bag or backpack to keep hands free
- Cash or card for the gift shop and cafe-bar
Top tips
- Entry is free, but book your tickets online in advance to save time at the door.
- Head to Wonderlab first thing, it gets busy and kids absolutely love it.
- The lifts are slow, use the stairs if you can and save yourself the wait.
- The IMAX screen is 52ft tall, well worth booking a film on top of your visit.
- Bradford train and bus stations are right nearby, so leave the car at home.
Age range
Typical visit
Pushchair
Free entry to museum. Wonderlab is a popular interactive gallery for children.
Free entry to the museum. Cinema tickets available separately (e.g. £6 for Silver Screen club members).
Accessibility
Tags
Location
National Science and Media Museum
Pictureville, Bradford BD1 1NQ
Parking tip
Paid parking is easy and close to the museum, with accessible bays available. The location is very convenient for public transport, being near the bus and train station.