“Roads? Where we’re going we don’t need roads.” Okay, you might need train tracks to get to this dazzling new exhibition at the Science Museum – this is London we’re talking about, and you might be heading in from somewhere far, far away. Tubes, time machines? Basically the same thing.
Anyway, once you’ve taken your preferred method of (time) travel to make it to South Kensington, you can embark on the journey around ‘Science Fiction: Voyage To The Edge Of Imagination’, the all-new experience that’s getting ready for lift-off tomorrow (October 6).
In true sci-fi fashion, the exhibition takes you on a journey through its storytelling — using 70 different objects to immerse visitors in the tale of a connection between scientific breakthroughs and what we see in the works of science fiction we’ve become accustomed to in popular culture.
These interactive objects are woven together to explain to show how scientists and science fiction creators have inspired each other. One moment you’ll be shuffling aboard an extra-terrestrial spaceship with an AI guide to look down on planet earth, speaking an alien language – known as Bhaux – created for the experience by machine intelligence; and the next you’ll be gazing at displays of classic literature and props from film and TV, including Darth Vader’s helmet from Star Wars Episode V: Empire Strikes Back and the Dalek from Doctor Who.
Those attending will be taken to the exploration of the deck where the AI Guide will show items from both science and science fiction that take us on a journey beyond our world, or, at least, our understanding of the world. For every model of a Saturn V rocket and replica of the Apollo Space Suit worn by Gene Cernan, there’s an alien from Close Encounters Of The Third Kind and first edition copy of Jules Verne’s From The Earth To The Moon. Plus, in the bio lab, guests can marvel at more sci-fi cinema creations, such as Frankenstein’s monster and Iron Man’s armour.
After visiting a subterranean world on the ship, the next part of the exhibition will be a display of artwork by Yao Lu and posters from the original Godzilla, before guiding visitors to the Observation Deck for a final view over space to mark the end of journey (for now).
Oh, and as if it couldn’t get any more sci-fi, this exhibition runs until May 4 aka National Star Wars Day. Bravo. May the fourth (and the force) be with you.
‘Science Fiction: Voyage To The Edge Of Imagination’ runs at the Science Museum from October 6 – May 4, 2023. Tickets are £20 for adults and can be booked here.