WATCH: Nick Park returns to Preston to reopen Harris Museum with Wallace & Gromit exhibition
The Oscar-winning animator has returned to his hometown for a sneak peek of Wallace and Gromit A Case At The Museum, ahead of its official opening on Sunday.
Oscar-winning animator Nick Park has returned to his hometown of Preston to officially reopen the Harris Museum, unveiling a major new exhibition: Wallace & Gromit: A Case at the Museum.
The filmmaker had a first look at the exhibition on Friday morning, ahead of the public opening on Sunday, saying: "I feel like I'm made of plastecine and I'm sitting down to Wallace and Gromit scale, about 8 inches high, on the set of Wallace and Gromit."
It marks the end of a four-year, £19 million transformation of the Grade I-listed building, part of the ambitious "Harris Your Place" project. The museum now boasts refurbished galleries, improved accessibility, and new creative spaces designed to engage visitors of all ages.
Park, best known for creating the beloved clay duo Wallace and Gromit, will cut a ribbon on Sunday morning at 10am, before welcoming families, fans, and animation enthusiasts to explore the immersive exhibition that celebrates nearly 50 years of Aardman magic.
WATCH: Nick's first impressions of the new exhibition:
Inside the Exhibition: A Case at the Museum
Running until 4 January 2026, Wallace & Gromit: A Case at the Museum invites visitors into the whimsical world of Aardman’s iconic characters. Highlights include:
- Interactive exhibits, including a VR game called Jamtastic!
- Original sets, props, and models used in the films
- A recreation of Wallace’s living room, inspired by Park’s grandmother’s home in Preston
- Behind-the-scenes insights into stop-motion animation techniques
- Special appearances by Feathers McGraw, Shaun the Sheep, and other Aardman favourites
Sold out timed entry tickets are required for opening day and weekend, with free general admission resuming from Monday 29 September.