As the Lunar Year dawns, join us to celebrate the Year of the Dragon and the opening of Zimingzhong 凝时聚珍, our new exhibition about Chinese clockwork.
Amongst lion and dragon dancers, Chinese drummers, and New Year’s arts and crafts, we’ll delve into the history of timekeeping. You’ll get to explore how ideas of time and its technological development transformed our lives, taking in quantum physics, atomic clocks, and even time travel in science fiction.
Plus, enjoy regular Lates activities including our iconic silent disco and your chance to see our galleries after hours.
Highlights
Time: All an Illusion
What are the neurological and psychological mechanisms that drive our perception of time? Is time even real, as we imagine it? And more to the point—what even is time? Our panel of neuroscientists and physicists will shine a light on how the human brain processes the passing of time.
Book tickets for Time: All an Illusion
Inception (12A) IMAX 70mm
Don’t miss Christopher Nolan’s mind-bending sci-fi action thriller in IMAX 70mm. Leonardo Di Caprio as a professional thief who steals information from his targets’ dreams to plant an idea into the subconscious of a CEO.
2024 Science Predictions for the Year Ahead
What does the year ahead hold in store for science and technology? Join a panel of scientists and science journalists for the inside scoop.
Book tickets for 2024 Science Predictions
Poetry For the Year of the Dragon—free
Drop in with poets Christy Ku and Dan Simpson to create some Lunar New Year Poetry! Beginners very welcome with our accessible and easy creative exercises. Imagine what the Year of the Dragon will bring you and your loved ones through the power of words. You'll leave feeling blessed and prosperous—at least, creatively!
More activities to be announced soon.
Photos of visitors to recent Lates
Explore the museum galleries after hours
© Science Museum Group and Eleanor Bentall
Watch science experiments in action at one of our Wonderlab demonstrations
© Science Museum Group and Eleanor Bentall
Listen to fascinating panel discussions in the Ronson Theatre
© Science Museum Group and Eleanor Bentall
Create your own designs at one of our Makers' Stations
© Science Museum Group and Eleanor BentallRegular events
Zimingzhong 凝时聚珍: Clockwork Treasures from China's Forbidden City
Be one of the first to see this spectacular exhibition. Turn back the hands of time and discover ornate clockwork automata known as zimingzhong, centuries-old timepieces prized by the emperors of China's Forbidden City. Tickets are pay-what-you-can, with a minimum price of £1 for each ticket.
Silent Disco
Whether you’re practising your moves or just in the mood to slam dunk the funk, grab a headset, select your tunes and dance until you drop. Entry £3 per person (card payments only)—tickets available in the Exploring Space gallery on the night.
Wonderlab: The Equinor Gallery
Fuel your imagination and immerse yourself in a world of wonder at the most spectacular interactive gallery in the world. With 50 mind-blowing marvels of science to enjoy, Wonderlab is an experience unlike any other. Special Lates price—£5.
Power Up
Immerse yourself in our hands-on gaming zone featuring the very best video games and consoles from the past 50 years. From Pong to Pacman and Minecraft to Mario, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a retro games fan, a serious gamer or just want to beat your friends at Mario Kart. Special Lates price—£5.
Turn It Up: The power of music
In this fun musical experience you will explore how music shapes our lives, all brought to life with unique interactive exhibits. Hear, feel and make your own music! Special Lates price—£5.
*Note these events are not included in your general admission ticket.
Tickets
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All Lates visitors will need to pre-book a free or VIP ticket in advance.
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General admission tickets are free and timeslots start from 18.45.
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VIP tickets are £12, with early entry timeslots starting from 18.30, and include a free drink as well as 15% off in the museum shop on the night.
