News / Aardman
Aardman treasures hidden throughout Bristol Museum
Visitors to Bristol Museum & Art Gallery are being encouraged to keep their eyes peeled as a series of special miniature surprises from Aardman Animations go on display.
From original props to a puppet from Chicken Run, a collection of “tiny treasures” from the studio’s archives has been hidden around the museum.
The objects form part of a new free activity, Mini museum hunt: 50 years of Aardman, which invites visitors to track down each item using a detective map available at the front desk.
The trail officially launches on Friday and marks the start of a special collaboration between Bristol Museums and the multi-award-winning animation studio which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026.
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Philip Walker, head of culture and creative industries at Bristol City Council, said the launch was an exciting way to begin the anniversary celebrations.
“We’re thrilled to be launching our collaboration with Aardman by sharing the first of many playful surprises with our visitors as part of the mini museum hunt,” he said.
“Bringing something free, fun and uniquely Bristol to families in time for half term feels like the perfect way to start celebrating Aardman’s 50 years in the city.”
The characters are following in the footsteps of Banksy when he took over the museum for an exhibition in 2009
The mini hunt is the first in a series of anniversary events ahead of a major exhibition at M Shed in the summer.
Cracking Exhibition Gromit: 50 Years of Aardman in Bristol will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the studio’s creative process, its characters and Bristol roots.
Ngaio Harding-Hill, director of attractions and live experiences and archive at Aardman, said: “The mini museum hunt is a brilliant way to kick off our 50th anniversary celebrations in Bristol.
“It captures the playful spirit at the heart of Aardman and gives families a fun, free way to explore the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery.
“We’re delighted to launch this first experience before launching our exhibition with M Shed later in the year.”
As well as being one of Bristol’s most loved exports, Aardman is one of UK film’s most enduring success stories with a current total of four Oscars and 17 Baftas.
All photos: Bristol City Council
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