The last Wednesday of every month sees the Science Museum hold its adults only late night opening. Each late night opening has a unique theme with talks, events, and activities designed to provide insight and entertainment. We joined a queue of eager patrons for the Space themed late night, and didn’t have to wait long till we were let loose in the museum, and a rewarding evening it proved to be.
We began in the Launchpad gallery. Anyone who has been to the Science Museum during the day, or worse still at a weekend, will know that this hands on exhibit is usually off limits to adults due to the vast number of children that are drawn to it. However this gallery was refreshingly quiet and provided great educational amusement as we played with electro-magnetism, sound, and interactive video exhibits amongst others.
We moved on to grab a quick beer and head to a talk about the possibility of alien life in the universe. The talk was well presented by Professor Ian Morison; as a geek I couldn’t help feel it had been dumbed down for a general audience but was none the less informative and well received by all in attendance.
The Force Field – Legend of Apollo motion effects theatre presentation was a short and sweet 3D movie with with special effects designed to provide a more full on experience. Although fun I’m not sure I would have paid £5 for the pleasure of the experience, luckily on this late night the cost had been cut to just £3 per adult.
The final activity we had time to take part in was called Space in your Face. This was a fun half hour of science related frivolity with demonstrations of scientific curiosity provided by an enthusiastic and entertaining member of the Science Museum team more akin to presenting to children, which is by no means a criticism as the energy and change of pace provided one of the more rewarding parts of the evening.
The time just flew by, and before we knew it the evening was over and there were so many more activities on offer that we wanted to see.
With so much on offer including talks, a comedy set, a silent disco, and a pub quiz all based upon the nights theme, along with the permanent galleries, there is certainly something to please everyone at this fun packed night. Did I mention that the event is free? I cannot recommend it more!
The next Science Museum late night opening is to be held on the 25th May from 18:45 to 22:00 and will be themed on The Science of Atoms. For more information visit the Science Museum website here.