We the Curious

Introduction

We The Curious is a dynamic science and arts centre located on Bristol’s bustling Harbourside, serving as a hub for interactive learning, creativity, and community engagement. With over 200 hands-on exhibits, the UK’s only 3D planetarium, and a strong commitment to sustainability and accessibility, this centre appeals to families, students, and visitors of all ages. This comprehensive guide provides up-to-date information on visiting hours, ticket options, exhibitions, accessibility features, and nearby attractions, ensuring you make the most of your visit (kids.kiddle.co, wethecurious.org).

Historical Background and Significance

Origins and Evolution

We The Curious opened in 2000 as the successor to Bristol’s Exploratory science museum, establishing itself as a centre for innovation and discovery. The venue occupies a former railway goods shed from 1906, one of the first UK buildings constructed with reinforced concrete—a testament to Bristol’s industrial heritage (kids.kiddle.co).

Previously known as @Bristol, the centre housed Explore, Wildwalk (a botanical house), and an IMAX theatre. Due to financial constraints, Wildwalk and the IMAX closed in 2007, with the former becoming the Blue Reef Aquarium. In 2017, the centre rebranded as We The Curious, embracing a broader mission that integrates science, art, and community participation.

Sustainability and Community Commitment

We The Curious is recognized for its sustainable architecture, featuring a 10-metre eutectic tank for temperature regulation and a 50 kW solar array. The centre has received awards for environmental responsibility and is aligned with Bristol’s carbon-neutral ambitions (wethecurious.org). Community engagement initiatives such as “Hello!” weekends and the Open City Lab foster inclusivity and visitor participation.

Resilience and Renewal

A fire in April 2022 led to a temporary closure and major refurbishments. The centre reopens in July 2024 with upgraded facilities, new exhibits, and improved accessibility (secretbristol.com).

Visiting Hours and Ticket Information

• Opening Hours:

  • Typically open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (closed Mondays except during school holidays and special events).
  • Some periods may see extended hours; always confirm via the official website.

• Ticket Prices (2024):

  • Adults: £15–£18.50
  • Children (3–15 years): £12–£12.65
  • Under 3s: Free
  • Family and concession rates available
  • Additional £4 per person for planetarium shows
  • Community and open concession tickets ensure affordability for all

• Booking:

  • Advance online booking is highly recommended, especially during weekends and school holidays (wethecurious.org).

Interactive Exhibits and Signature Experiences

We The Curious boasts over 200 interactive exhibits across two main floors, supporting STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) learning (englandrover.com).

Project What If (Ground Floor)

This flagship gallery is built around questions submitted by the local community, encouraging visitors to explore topics such as health, consciousness, and the universe through hands-on installations (wethecurious.org).

Themed Galleries

• Flight Zone: Experiment with aerodynamics and flight mechanics.
• Food Science: Explore the chemistry of cooking and food sustainability.
• Animation Studio: Create stop-motion animations.
• Construction Zone: Build structures and try coding or robotics.
• Brains & Bodies: Discover human biology through interactive models.

Visitor Favourites

• Giant Bubble Hoops: Step inside a bubble to learn about surface tension.
• Hamster Wheel: Generate energy and witness its transformation.
• Wonky Room: Experience optical illusions and altered perception (Bristol Post).

The 3D Planetarium Experience

Home to the UK’s only 3D planetarium, We The Curious offers immersive space journeys for all ages (dayouthub.com).

• Show Types: Interactive, presenter-led explorations of the solar system and beyond.
• Entry: Additional £4 per person.
• Accessibility: Fully accessible for wheelchair users.

Live Science Programming and Community Initiatives

The Live Science Team leads workshops, experiments, and drop-in activities across various topics, from chemistry to robotics (Wikipedia). Special programming includes “Hello!” weekends, which provide tailored experiences for underrepresented groups.

Accessibility and Visitor Facilities

We The Curious prioritizes inclusivity and accessibility (accessable.co.uk):

• Step-free access, lifts, and wide thresholds throughout
• Accessible toilets and a Changing Places facility
• Wheelchair and mobility scooter access to nearly all exhibits
• Hearing loops at ticket desks and activity spaces
• Visual resources and quiet spaces for neurodiverse visitors
• Free admission for personal assistants and carers
• Guide dogs and assistance animals welcome

Facilities include a family-friendly café, gift shop, baby-changing stations, lockers, and free Wi-Fi.

Getting There: Travel Tips

• Address: One Millennium Square, Anchor Road, Bristol, BS1 5DB (wethecurious.org)
• By Train: 20-minute walk from Bristol Temple Meads station
• By Bus: Multiple routes stop near Millennium Square and Anchor Road
• By Car: Millennium Square Car Park with accessible bays and EV charging
• By Bike: Bike racks available on site
• On Foot: Well-signposted Harbourside paths from city centre

Nearby Attractions

• Millennium Square & Splash Park
• Pero’s Bridge and Harbourside Walks
• Blue Reef Aquarium (former Wildwalk building)
• Arnolfini Arts Centre
• Brunel’s SS Great Britain (short walk)
• Bristol Aquarium

Combine your visit to We The Curious with other Bristol attractions for a memorable day (visitwest.co.uk).

Special Events, Tours, and Photography

• Guided tours available for schools and groups by arrangement
• Workshops and temporary exhibits run year-round
• Photography: Permitted for personal use, except in restricted areas; check signage for updates

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the opening hours?
A: Typically Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM. Confirm current hours on the official website.

Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: Book online or purchase at the venue. Advance online booking is advised.

Q: Is the planetarium included in admission?
A: No, it requires an additional £4 ticket per person.

Q: Is the centre accessible for wheelchair users?
A: Yes, We The Curious is fully accessible.

Q: Are there discounts or concessions?
A: Yes, for seniors, students, low-income families, and groups.

Q: Can I bring children?
A: Absolutely. The centre is family-friendly with interactive exhibits for all ages.

2025 Highlights: 25th Anniversary & What’s New

Anniversary Celebrations

2025 marks We The Curious’s 25th year, with special programming, discounts, and exhibitions (visitwest.co.uk). Use promo code BIRTHDAY25 for a 25% discount on summer holiday visits (23 July–1 September 2025, book by 22 July).

New Exhibits and Events

• Play Fridays: Sensory play sessions for young children
• Scribblebots Workshops: Build doodling robots in the Tinkering Space
• Greenhouse Experiences: “Feed the Bees” and “Hanging Gardens” environmental science
• Blast to the Past: Family-friendly space-time science show

Community and Sustainability Initiatives

• Expanded Open City Lab programming
• Collaboration with local artists and researchers
• Hosting of sector conferences and citywide event integration (Community Energy England)