Bradford is officially celebrating its status as the 2025 City of Culture, and what better time for the National Science and Media Museum to re-open after its development?
The £6million refurbishment of the West Yorkshire institution has taken 18 months to be completed, and has now been revealed to the general public - including an impressive feature in the main foyers.
Don’t be alarmed - Feathers McGraw and the Techno Trousers from the classic Wallace and Gromit outing, The Wrong Trousers, are in the safe hands of the museum. The unique model, created exclusively for the museum by Aardman, is set to captivate visitors and offer the perfect selfie opportunity as they enter the museum’s newly designed foyer.
The refurbishments also include renovations to both the Wonderlab and Kodak Gallery, while the legendary work of David Hockney, including his multi-media pieces, are set to grace the museum as part of a special exhibition.
Take a look at our behind-the-scenes photos of the new look National Science and Media Museum and get a feel for the new environment.
5. The view from the foyer
The brand new Techno Trousers installation, front and centre as you walking through the new foyer. | Tony Johnson
6. Feathers McGraw comes to Bradford - beware!
The model features the Techno Trousers and the infamous penguin villain, Feathers McGraw, scaling the museum’s wall above the welcome desk. Pictured is Andy Spradbery, model maker for Aardman, holding Feathers McGraw before it is positioned atop the Techno Trousers. | James Hardisty
7. Setting up the Techno Trousers installation
The unique model, crafted exclusively by Aardman for the museum, took centre stage during the A Grand Day Out event on January 11. Positioned in the museum’s newly renovated foyer, the model—featuring the Techno Trousers and the mischievous penguin villain Feathers McGraw—offers a striking and selfie-worthy moment for both new and returning visitors. | James Hardisty
8. Alison Browne, The Wrong Trousers and Feathers McGraw
Alice Browne from The National Science and Media Museum in Bradford views the new installation from Wallace and Gromit's Wrong Trousers. | Tony Johnson