Catalyst Science Discovery Centre
A hands-on science centre and museum of the chemical industry in Widnes, with interactive galleries, science shows and a glass-walled rooftop gallery over the River Mersey.
Alleen afzonderlijke secties laten voorlezen
Over het museum
Catalyst opened in 1989 as a museum of the chemical industry in the north-west of England, in a Grade II listed building on the bank of the River Mersey at Widnes. Its mission is to tell the story of the local chemical industry and to show the relevance of chemistry to as wide an audience as possible.
Today it is both a science discovery centre and an accredited museum. Its archive holds more than 100,000 artefacts and records, including the research archive of the former ICI General Chemicals Division, the J W Towers and Co Ltd archive, the Peter Spence collection and many thousands of photographs. It describes itself as the only museum in the United Kingdom devoted to the chemical industry.
The visitor galleries combine hands-on exhibits with historical displays. The Interactive Gallery invites visitors to test and make things, the Birth of an Industry gallery follows the chemical industry from ancient times to the 1940s, and the glass-walled Observatory Gallery on the top floor gives views over the river and the Mersey Gateway Bridge. A National Lottery Heritage Fund grant of £1 million supports the Synergy Project, which will refurbish the heritage gallery and digitise the archive.
Catalyst is run by an independent charitable trust and offers school workshops, family science shows, birthday parties and meeting rooms.
Hoogtepunten
- Interactive Gallery with hands-on science exhibits and a TV studio
- Birth of an Industry gallery on the history of the chemical industry
- Glass-walled Observatory Gallery with views of the Mersey
- Science shows and workshops at weekends and in school holidays
- Free PlayLab area for under-5s
- Archive of more than 100,000 chemical industry artefacts and records
Vaste collectie
- Interactive Gallery – Hands-on exhibits on science and technology, including a TV studio, a scarf shooter, animation making and a ball run.
- Birth of an Industry – A gallery on the chemical industry from ancient times to the 1940s, with historic objects, reconstructions and archive films.
- Observatory Gallery – A glass-walled rooftop gallery reached by an external glass lift, with panoramic views, hands-on exhibits and information cards about local heritage.
- Opgericht
- 1989
- Beheerder
- Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum Trust Ltd
- Directie
- Nikki Burton Mallott
Toegangsprijzen & kortingen
| Volwassenen | £ 13 |
|---|---|
| Met korting | £ 13Concession |
| Kinderen & jongeren | £ 13Under-5s can use the PlayLab area free of charge. |
| Groepen (vanaf 10 pers.) | £ 8,45 p.p.Groups of 10 or more pay £8.45 per adult and £6.95 per child or concession. The Lifelong Learning package for adult groups costs £9.95 per person and includes a talk and a guided tour. |
| Weekend or holiday workshop or science show (in addition to admission) | £ 2,75Per person. |
| Group admission, child or concession (10 or more) | £ 6,95Per person. |
| Group sleepover in the Observatory Gallery (20 to 40 people) | £ 40Per person; includes supper, breakfast, a workshop and a science show. |
The standard price is £13 for adults, children and concessions alike, and every ticket includes a 12-month annual pass for unlimited return visits. Because of a ticketing system upgrade, tickets can currently only be bought in person.
Toegankelijkheid
- Rolstoeltoegankelijk
- Lift
- Aangepast toilet
- Gehandicaptenparkeerplaats: geen informatie
- Hulphonden welkom: geen informatie
- Tastmodellen / voelbare objecten: geen informatie
- Rondleidingen in gebarentaal: geen informatie
- Informatie in eenvoudige taal: geen informatie
- Audiodescriptie: geen informatie
The building has ramped access, level access to all areas and a lift to all floors. The cafe, shop and toilets are accessible, and there is a Changing Places facility. Sensory bags with fidget toys and other items, ear defenders and a card for using a quiet space can be borrowed from reception, and a visual story can be downloaded to help plan a visit. Detailed access information is also on Euan's Guide.
Kinderen & gezin
Erg geschikt voor kinderen & gezinnen
- Gezinsrondleidingen & workshops
- Doe- en voelstations
- Speeltuin / speelhoek
- Kinderfeestjes
Hands-on workshops and family science shows run at weekends and in school holidays for a small extra charge. The PlayLab for under-5s is free and has mini lab coats, goggles, test tubes and toy microscopes next to the café. Birthday parties on Saturday and Sunday afternoons cost £12 or £16 per child for at least 8 children.
Bereikbaarheid & parkeren
Met de auto
Gratis parkeren
A large free car park is on site.
Visitors crossing the Mersey Gateway Bridge or the Silver Jubilee Bridge must pay the toll within 24 hours, which can be done online at merseyflow.co.uk.
Route plannenService & horeca
- Café
- Museumwinkel
- Garderobe
The Catalyst Café has views of the river and the Mersey Gateway Bridge, and the café and shop are open to the public without an admission ticket. The café is dog friendly. Lockable cloakrooms and a lunch room are provided for school and group visits.
Evenementen & zaalverhuur
- Ruimtes te huur
- Zakelijke evenementen
Tot 100 personen.
Meeting and conference rooms include the Gossage Room (up to 30 seated theatre style), the Theatre (up to 70), the Education Centre (up to 100 theatre style) and the Observatory Gallery (up to 100 standing). Catering is available.
Aanvragen & detailsJe bezoek plannen
| Rondleidingen | ja |
|---|---|
| Aanbod voor scholen | ja |
| Goed om te weten | A guided tour including the archive room is part of the adult group package. School visits and workshops are booked by telephone or email; schools usually arrive at opening time and leave around 14:15, and workshops and science shows are offered for Key Stage 1 to 3. |
