Science and Industry Museum Unveils Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos – An Unmissable Space Exhibition

Are you ready to blast off on a cosmic adventure? The Science and Industry Museum in Manchester is set to launch its world-premiere exhibition, Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos, on Friday 13 February 2026. This immersive, family-friendly space exhibition promises to take visitors on a journey through the Solar System with interactive challenges, real space artefacts, and mind-boggling science facts. Whether you're a space enthusiast, a budding astronaut, or simply looking for an educational day out in Manchester, this exhibition is sure to offer something extraordinary.

What does a star smell like? Could you stay on your feet during a moonquake? And what really happens when astronauts need the loo in space?

With less than a week to go until its new, out-of-this-world exhibition lands, the Science and Industry Museum is revealing some of the cosmic secrets visitors can expect to uncover when world-premiere Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos opens on Friday 13 February.

Blasting off into the Solar System, the exhibition marks the first time the much-loved Horrible Science brand has been transformed into a large-scale immersive exhibition. Packed with hands-on experiments, interactive challenges, and mischievous storytelling, the exhibition promises a high-energy voyage through space, with rocket-loads of silly and surprising science along the way and encounters with characters from the brand-new hit CBBC series, Horrible Science. Launching first in Manchester this February before touring to the Science Museum in London from March 2027, it is set to be one of the UK’s standout family-friendly cultural experiences of 2026 and beyond.

The adventure begins in the lair of evil genius, Dr Big Brain, who recruits visitors for a series of cosmic challenges as he plots total galactic domination.

From there, space explorers are sucked through a wormhole and dropped into Awesome Astronauts, where life aboard the International Space Station is revealed. Against stunning aerial images of Earth taken from space, visitors can discover how astronauts eat, sleep, work and train their bodies to cope with weightlessness. Rare star objects bring space life closer than ever, including Tim Peake’s headset from his 2015 mission, which is on display to the public for the first time, examples of real space food, and even a space toilet used by astronauts on the Soyuz-Mir spacecraft. Stories of men and women who’ve lived in orbit help paint a picture of life beyond our atmosphere for curious earthlings.

Designed to engage all the senses, Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos even lets visitors catch a whiff of smelly space socks (there are no washing machines in space), snap a selfie on a space toilet, and take part in a micro-gravity optical illusion where they appear to float.

Next stop: the Mysterious Moon. Here, visitors explore the only place beyond Earth ever visited by humans.

Familiar faces will be on hand to guide space explorers, including the Moon character from the Horrible Science TV show, still grumpy that no one’s visited since 1972. NASA mathematician, Katherine Johnson, whose calculations of orbital mechanics have been fundamental in successfully launching spaceflights, will also help to navigate the Solar System.

Budding astronauts can dress the part and pose against dramatic lunar landscapes, touch a real piece of the Moon that fell to Earth as a meteorite, have a go at launching their own rockets and see remarkable objects including flight plans from the Apollo 11 mission, bearing contributions from Katherine Johnson and signatures from the first Moon-landing crew.

Join the Super Duper Family Festival this February for a cosmic adventure packed with free activities for all ages at the Science and Industry Museum. Enjoy hands-on crafts, star-gazing sessions and discover tips for exploring the night sky from home. Groove through the solar system with Company Chameleon’s planet-inspired dance sessions in the Revolution Manchester gallery. Budding astronomers can visit the Star Lab to create star maps, make constellations and learn about stargazing in Manchester. The festival also features a special 'Get Curious' event, where families can join the University of Manchester’s Meteorite Hunt and compete to spot meteorites. 

Frequently Asked Questions – Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos

Where is the Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos exhibition held?

The exhibition is at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester, with plans to tour to the Science Museum in London from March 2027.

When does the exhibition open to the public?

The exhibition opens on Friday 13 February 2026 in Manchester.

Who is the exhibition suitable for?

The exhibition is designed for families, children, school groups, and anyone with an interest in space, science, or interactive experiences.

What activities and features can visitors expect?

Visitors can enjoy hands-on experiments, interactive challenges, real space artefacts like Tim Peake’s headset and Apollo 11 flight plans, space-themed games, and photo opportunities with immersive set pieces.

Is the exhibition accessible for people with disabilities?

The Science and Industry Museum aims to provide accessible experiences for all visitors. Please check the museum’s official website for detailed accessibility information and support.

How long will the exhibition be in Manchester?

The exhibition launches in Manchester in February 2026 and will run for a limited time before moving on tour to London in March 2027. Specific end dates may be provided by the museum closer to the time.

Are tickets required for entry?

Yes, tickets are required. Visit the Science and Industry Museum’s official website to book your tickets and find the latest information on opening times and prices.

Can school groups visit the exhibition?

Absolutely! The exhibition is perfect for school trips and educational visits, offering unique learning opportunities about space, science, and exploration.

Where can I find more information?

For updates, ticket bookings, and further details, visit the Science and Industry Museum’s website or follow their social media channels.