Museum of Classic Sci-Fi
Private museum in the cellar of a Georgian house in Allendale showing original props, costumes and artwork from classic science fiction, Doctor Who and Marvel.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum was created by the art teacher Neil Cole, who dreamed since childhood of a science-fiction museum after seeing a Doctor Who prop at an exhibition in Blackpool as a small child. He has collected and restored screen-used props, costumes and published artwork for about three decades and wanted to pay tribute to that Blackpool exhibition.
The museum is in the cellar of Osborne House, a Grade II listed Georgian townhouse in the Northumberland village of Allendale. The cellar is about 300 years old and its restoration took several years from 2015. A floating floor with twisting corridors and concealed lighting was built to recreate the atmosphere of the Blackpool exhibition. The museum opened in October 2018, closed during the COVID-19 lockdowns and reopened after Cole restructured the displays.
The collection follows the history of science fiction on screen. One part is a chronological journey through classic science fiction from H. G. Wells onwards, with displays on franchises such as Alien, Star Wars and Star Trek. Another part tells the story of classic Doctor Who from William Hartnell to the seventh Doctor, with a focus on restored monsters that were once shown at BBC exhibitions. A third section looks at Marvel, with film props, hand-drawn animation cels and background artwork. Each item has its own plaque and many sit on display stands built by Cole himself.
Highlights
- Restored monsters and props from classic-era Doctor Who
- Chronological display of science-fiction film and artwork from H. G. Wells onwards
- Marvel costumes, props and hand-drawn animation cels
- Original published artwork by well-known Doctor Who illustrators
- Atmospheric cellar setting with specially built displays
Permanent exhibitions
- Classic science fiction – A chronological journey through science fiction on screen and in art, with original props and costumes from over 80 years.
- Classic Doctor Who – A story-by-story look at the first seven Doctors, with restored monsters, original scripts and published artwork.
- Marvel – A display of the many screen versions of Marvel, including props and hand-drawn animation cels.
- Founded
- 2018
- Operated by
- Neil Cole
- Director
- Neil Cole
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £7.50 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 4 · Children aged 5 to 16; under-5s are free. The website shows no separate child price. |
| Families | £10Lowest family rate, for one adult and one child. |
| Family ticket, 1 adult and 2 or more children | £13 |
| Family ticket, 2 adults and 1 child | £17.50 |
| Family ticket, 2 adults and 2 or more children | £20 |
The museum is also supported by a Friends of the Museum scheme.
Accessibility
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Kids & families
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Getting there & parking
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Amenities & dining
The website does not describe a cafe, shop or other facilities.
Events & venue rental
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