Whether it’s an immersive journey through the human body, a nostalgia trip down five decades’ worth of gaming innovation or a fascinating deep dive into Manchester’s industrial legacy, the Science and Industry Museum has something for the entire family to enjoy during the final weeks of summer.
From the Atari 2600 to cutting-edge virtual reality systems, Power Up offers the unique opportunity to play through five decades’ worth of gaming. With more than 150 consoles plugged in and ready to try, this is a genuine dreamland for casual and avid gamers alike — from Sonic and Street Fighter to Mario and FIFA, all bases are covered…there’s even an entire section devoted to games developed right here in Manchester.
Usually only open on weekends, Power Up is open daily through the summer holidays. Day passes are priced at £8, with annual passes available for £15, giving you unlimited access for the whole year.
Inspired by its blockbuster Operation Ouch! exhibition, the Science and Industry Museum’s Summer of Senses programme uncovers the mysteries of the human brain through an exciting mix of inspiring and engaging free activities. Put on your dancing shoes and get lost in the silent disco, get stuck in the Bogie Lab and make your own pot of snot to take home, discover how things aren’t always as they seem with optical illusions and be amazed at the museum’s brand-new science show.
The Summer of Senses programme runs until Sun 31 Aug.
The Science and Industry Museum’s Experiment Gallery is all about exploring science in action, hosting an array of free, interactive activities for the whole family to enjoy together. See through walls, make music with your body, find out how you can shake hands with yourself, and even discover whether you’re strong enough to lift a car with one hand…
From revolutionary wheels to sustainable travel, learn more about Manchester’s engineering heritage and how the city played an integral role in shaping the future of modern-day movement. See one of the first Rolls-Royce motorcars, meet some of the influential people who got Manchester moving, and discover how the city’s cotton industry shaped lives in Manchester and around the world, putting profit and exploitation hand-in-hand.
Revolution Manchester also delves into Manchester’s unparalleled creative legacy. Read all about how Madeline Linford paved the way for today’s female journalists, hear stories from Band on the Wall and Factory Records and watch a short film about Sheila Bhati and her work at the BBC.
The Science and Industry Museum, Liverpool Rd, Manchester M3 4FP
- Words:
- Bradley Lengden
- Published on:
- Thu 21 Aug 2025
The museum’s latest major exhibition, Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You, promises an adventure of super-sized science and brilliant biology, inspired by the BBC Children’s and Education TV series. Visitors can travel through an ear canal covered in gooey wax, squeeze past sticky snot and plunge headfirst into the incredible and sometimes slightly disgusting world of our senses.
Presenters Dr. Chris, Dr. Xand, and Dr. Ronx will digitally appear to guide you through the exhibition, which is crammed full of hands-on activities dedicated to unearthing more about how our different senses help us operate every day.