With half term just around the corner The Thackray Museum of Medicine is here to help keep you and the little ones occupied.
Ever wanted to see what it’s really like to perform open heart surgery first-hand? Or how about learning about the ins and outs of germs and how they affect our day to day lives?
Well, you can do all of this and more at The Thackray Museum of Medicine this February.
Located just a short trip out of the city centre in Harehills, The Thackray Museum is an award-winning haven of learning, jam-packed with an ever-changing collection of immersive galleries, mind-blowing exhibitions and so much more.
Wander through the sights, smells and seems of 19th-century Leeds before visiting a seventies-style sexual health clinic, or why not get behind the microscope yourself and learn about what makes the human body fit for battling against disease.
There’s so much to get up to this February, all of which is created to inspire and entertain our next generation of big thinkers.
So, let’s have a look at what you can get up to at Thackray this February.
Fragile Microbiomes
Saturday 10 February – Sunday 23 June 2024 | Free with admission
Thackray’s newest exhibition ‘Fragile Microbiomes’, features the innovative works of internationally renowned artist Anna Dumitri and delves into the intricacies of the microbial world. The exhibition features sculptures and installations made using bacteria, DNA, altered vintage objects, 3D printing, textiles, video and digital technologies.
A true testament to the transformative power of BioArt, the exhibition showcases the emerging and groundbreaking art movement that incorporates living media, such as bacteria and synthetic biology.
Find out more about this incredible exhibition here.
Germs, Glorious Germs
Saturday 10 – Sunday 18 February 2024 | Free with admission
Germs are often frowned upon, but in reality it’s only a mere 1% of germs that make us poorly. This half term, learn about the trillion microbes in our tummies that help us digest our food and help us fight disease.
The museum’s brain box Thackray Boffins will look at what germs really are, and what happens when good and bad germs become unbalanced.
Find out more here.
Family Screenprinting Workshop
Saturday 10 – Saturday 17 February 2024 | £3 (with a museum ticket)
Throughout half term, local artist Jenny Wright will be offering drop-in screenprinting sessions which makes for the perfect half-term activity. All materials will be provided and sessions will run from 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm, limited spaces are available and you can book yours here.
Thackray Lates: Anatomy of Love
Thursday 15 February 2024, from 6pm | £10 per person
Warning: not for the faint hearted.
At this one-of-a-kind Thackray Late event, expect a whole host of up-close medical experiments from a heart dissection to a living autopsy to really get you feeling loved up this Valentine’s season.
No humans are harmed during this event, but it is most definitely not for the squeamish and is recommended for those aged 18+.
Find out more here.
As well as these exciting exhibitions, there’s also the permanent immersive street of Victorian Leeds, the Sparks! under 5s play area and so much more to enjoy this month.
Tickets cost just £11.95 per adult, and £8.95 per child with under 5s going in free. Tickets are for 12 months so you can come and go as you please to this wonderful museum.
For more information on exhibitions and ticket prices, visit The Thackray Museum of Medicine’s website.
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Featured image – Thackray Museum of Medicine
