The Doctor lands in Liverpool

National Museums Liverpool has announced that it will be hosting the world premiere of Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder at World Museum from May 2022. 

This ground-breaking new exhibition will explore the science behind the global hit series Doctor Who and will give fans a chance to experience the Doctor’s adventures from a scientific perspective. 

Produced by leading experiential design experts Sarner International under license from BBC Studios, this new exhibition plunges fans of all ages into a scientific universe to explore the ways in which science has played a part in the longest running science fiction show in the world, Doctor Who. The eight zones set within this educational exhibition cover a diverse selection of exciting scientific topics while drawing in content from across the full canon of the TV show.  

Through a range of hands-on immersive experiences and interactive content, visitors can journey through Cosmic Curiosities, while discovering more about the time traveling Police Box in the TARDIS Tech room, learning about the science behind time travel and whether it really is possible. Or visit the Monster Vault to get up close with some of the weird and wonderful characters that have graced our screens. The exhibition gives visitors the chance to engage with rare, behind the scenes artefacts some of which has been procured from the BBC’s own archive. Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder will offer a thrilling exploration of the science behind the stories for both established fans of the TV show and newcomers alike.  

Fiona Philpott, Director of Exhibitions at National Museums Liverpool, said: “We’re thrilled to be welcoming the world premiere of Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder to World Museum. We’re so lucky to be the first museum in the world to host this must-see experience, which offers exclusive insight for Doctor Who buffs, science fiction fans and anybody else with a curious mind. 

“Visitors to the exhibition can also travel through space and time at World Museum’s immersive Planetarium and continue their explorations into the biodiversity of our planet with our Natural History & Sciences galleries. Come to Liverpool to experience this exhibition before anybody else!” 

Ed Cookson, Projects Director, Sarner International: “For almost 60 years Doctor Who has been exploring mind-bending scientific developments. The iconic characters, monsters, stories, and settings of the television series provide a perfect guide through the wondrous worlds of space, time and science." 

Doctor Who has a strong connection to Liverpool. Earlier this year, John Bishop joined an impressive list of Liverpool-born actors to appear on the show. The legendary Tom Baker, who grew up on Scotland Road, played the much-loved Fourth Doctor in the mid-1970s, assisted by Liverpool actress Elisabeth Sladen as Sarah Jane Smith. Paul McGann, of the famous Liverpool acting dynasty, played the Eighth Doctor in a one-off TV film in 1996, later reprising his role in a short film for the BBC Studios series’ 50th anniversary in 2013. And in 2008, Kensington-born David Morrissey played The Next Doctor in a Christmas special alongside David Tennant’s Tenth Doctor. 

National Museums Liverpool was also involved in quest to #FindTheDoctor over the summer. Following a hidden word in the Doctor Who trailer in July, fans were sent on a hunt to find clues which would lead to the password for a locked Doctor Who website. One of the clues was spotted in a curious painting, La Boîte Bleue (The Blue Box), at the Walker Art Gallery and Museum of Liverpool. 

Members receive early access to tickets from 10am on 13 October 2021. Tickets will go on general sale at 10am on 15 October 2021. Adult tickets are priced at £14 in advance or £16 on the day - concession rates apply.  

In addition to free entry to the exhibition and early access to tickets, members receive limitless free entry to all other exhibitions, discounts in our shops and cafes and invitations to exclusive events.  

For further information and to book tickets, visit liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/doctorwho