There’s an all-new opportunity to let the imagination run wild at London’s beloved Horniman Museum & Gardens, as they prepare to open an awe-inspiring Robot Zoo that beautifully blends nature, art, and engineering in a profound and accessible way.
This interactive exhibition (opening on 14 February 2025) will feature captivating robot animals reimagined as machines, helping young visitors understand the mechanics of wildlife and the fascinating capabilities found within the natural world.
Robot Zoo at the Horniman Museum and Gardens
Familiar creatures such as chameleons, rhinos, and insects are rebuilt using an innovative mix of everyday objects, gadgets, and cutting-edge robotics; there’s even a six-foot robotic bat hanging from the ceiling. These larger-than-life creations unravel the science behind how animals work in the real world, standing out as a must-see exhibition promoting both artistic expression and scientific discovery.
The unlikely blend of art and biology makes it the perfect day out for families, especially ones with young science enthusiasts or art lovers. Discover all the ingenious ways animals have evolved to survive, hunt, and thrive, through the adorably quirky robots and interactive installations.
Take part in hands-on activities like jat-propelled squid racing (yes, you read that correctly), shoot a chameleon’s ‘tongue-gun’, as well as witnessing stunning interactive murals commissioned specifically for this exhibition.
Louis Buckley, Senior Curator of Natural History says: ‘These extraordinary robots are based on some equally amazing animals. These machines have been built to show how flies can walk on ceilings, chameleons change colour and squid move through water.”
Admire these exclusive murals by artist Giulia Casarotto, who took direct inspiration from the robotic works on display and the learning elements within. The interaction is perfect for further immersion too, having to spot the chameleons hiding within the mural, or play a sorting game to match animals with their correct habitat.
The Robot Zoo will be taking place from 14 February 2025 until 2 November 2025 and is a ticketed experience, costing £9.75 for adults and £6.50 for kids. If you’re a member of the Horniman Museum, you can access the exhibition for free.
The Horniman Museum and Garden is a must-visit museum in Forest Hill, known for its eclectic collections and exhibitions, as well as its stunning gardens and family-friendly events. For more information and tickets, click here to visit their website.