News / We The Curious
We The Curious 25 : science centre puts call out for memories
To celebrate turning 25 this July, We The Curious is handing the mic over to the people of Bristol.
People will be able to contribute to a new interactive experience, brought to life by local artists and Creative Youth Network, that will live in and outside We The Curious in Millennium Square.
The much-loved science centre and educational charity is launching a huge call out for memories, photos and moments from the past quarter of a century and beyond.
is needed now More than ever
Since it opened, 6.6m people have visited We The Curious, meaning there are potentially millions of moments to be shared.
The science centre reopened in July 2024 after repairs took place for two years following a fire – photo: Paul Blakemore
The result will be the Curious Timeline, made up of rich stories from across the city and beyond, and inspired by all the people that have been part of We The Curious’ journey.
The Curious Timeline will be open to explore for all We The Curious visitors and passers-by later this year, with the opportunity for people to add to it – and even imagine where the timeline will take us in the future.
We The Curious is asking everyone – families, teachers, science lovers, old team members, city explorers and more – to dig into their phones, photo albums and memories and send them what you find.
Whether you remember the docks area before it was developed, feel nostalgic for the early days of Explore At-Bristol, felt inspired as part of a school group, met your true love in the café, worked behind the scenes, or experienced a mind-melting moment in the Planetarium, We The Curious wants to hear your story.
2015 marked the opening of the first planetarium to use ‘active’ 3D technology – photo: Paul Blakemore
We The Curious will be commissioning artists from the Artists Network to develop and respond to a series of creative briefs to celebrate the science centre’s 25th birthday.
Donna Speed, CEO at We The Curious, said: “This month we celebrate 25 years of curiosity, and one year since we reopened.
“It feels like the perfect time to celebrate our place in the city, alongside everyone who has been a part of our journey. And there’s a lot of us: Almost seven million have been through our doors.
“We The Curious is more than just a building; it’s a space that reflects and is shaped by the people who use it and their curiosity, so it’s really important that the Curious Timeline is as much about Bristol and its people as it is about us.
“We can’t tell our story without yours.
“The last 25 years have seen huge change – in the city centre, in science and curiosity, and in how we connect with each other.
“We hope the Curious Timeline will be a playful, powerful, living celebration of what happens when curiosity belongs to everyone, and we can’t wait to see what memories and moments come through.”
To contribute, visit www.wethecurious.org/news-blog/share-your-stories.
Main photo: Alex Smye-Rumsby
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