Thackray Museum: Autumn Winter Programme 2024

Major new exhibitions, new Lates, more boffins and one brilliant Christmas, plus an Insights programme featuring leading voices including Dr. Adam Rutherford.

Thackray Museum of Medicine has just unveiled a vibrant programme of events for this Autumn and Winter, offering an array of exhibitions, creative installations and unique experiences for all ages. Coming off the back of being awarded a £100,000 grant from the Esmée Fairbairn Collections Fund, the museum is set to captivate visitors with engaging activities that explore medicine, art and history.

Long renowned for its award-winning galleries and exhibitions, Thackray has been growing a reputation in recent years for its accompanying programme of events and experiences that introduce visitors to the unheard stories surrounding how we take care of ourselves and others. Whether you’re a family looking for interactive fun, a fan of true crime, or curious about cutting-edge healthcare technology, there’s something for everyone this Autumn at Thackray.

You Choose: New Exhibition (Now until January 2025)

Thackray’s latest interactive exhibition, You Choose, invites visitors to imagine the future of healthcare. How might 3D-printed medicine, AI and digital twins revolutionise treatments? This family-friendly experience showcases pioneering technologies, from bionic eyes to artificial tongues. A partnership with the University of Leeds’ Living Bodies Objects project and generously funded by the Wellcome Trust, You Choose encourages visitors to explore how health and technology intersect

Projecting Grief: Exhibition (Now until September 2025)

Opening this September, Projecting Grief shares moving stories of people using creativity to cope with loss. Through photography and storytelling, this poignant exhibition, in collaboration with Leeds-based photographer Jo Ritchie and writer Laura McDonagh, explores the healing power of artistic expression after bereavement. Visitors will see new stories from the Leeds community alongside reflections from people who have found solace in creative outlets after losing a loved one. At its last showing, it received critical acclaim.

Insights: Talks, Lates and Debates (October to May 2025)

For over 25 years, Insights has explored the groundbreaking discoveries that have shaped the way we look after ourselves and each other, and returns this season with thought-provoking talks and debates on health, history and society. This diverse lineup includes discussions on ethics, the origins of true crime, amongst much else; highlights include bestselling author Dr Adam Rutherford with Unnatural Selections discussing eugenics, and Monarchs and Maladies with medical historian Dr Suzie Edge, whose exploration of the darker side of history has captivated TikTok followers. These events are not to be missed for those who love learning and lively debate.

Thackray Lates: a thrilling whodunit

Becoming ever more popular, Thackray’s Lates series returns with a crime-themed event, offering adults a chance to explore unusual and macabre topics through expert talks, hands-on experiences and live performances. Vile Bodies: Investigating the Golden Age of Crime (31 October) will delve into the Golden Age of crime fiction, exploring the deadly allure of poison. Guests will hear from leading experts and enjoy hands-on demonstrations that bring the science behind famous whodunits to life.

A Magical Christmas Experience

This year, visitors will witness the transformation of the Museum into an enchanting winter wonderland, featuring ornate paper sculptures by renowned artist Andy Singleton whose past work has been featured at Harrods, Kensington Palace and The Hepworth. Inspired by The Night Before Christmas, the installations share the voices of hard-working Leeds hospital staff preparing for the festive season, bringing their stories to life, both with care and a great big dollop of romantic festive feeling. The immersive experience will feature pop-up performances by local theatre company Wrongsemble, alongside family-friendly craft sessions inspired by Singleton’s work. More details will be revealed soon.

Half-Term Fun (October and February)

Throughout the half-term holidays, families can enjoy an array of interactive activities, free with museum admission. Featuring the museum’s popular Thackray Boffins and their science & history shows, hands-on crafts and theatrical performances, it’s a perfect way to keep young minds engaged and entertained.

Thackray Lates: My Bloody Valentine (13 February 2025)

For those seeking something less traditional this Valentine’s Day, My Bloody Valentine offers an evening of romance with a twist – perfect for anyone looking for a unique way to celebrate love. Thackray Museum of Medicine’s Autumn and Winter programme promises an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. From cutting-edge exhibitions to festive fun, this season’s events offer something special for everyone. For more details, visit Thackray’s website or follow on social media.