We The Curious announces reopening date two years since fire

The science centre's CEO says they're "so excited" to be coming back

The fire started in 2022 when a bird dropped a stone on the centre's solar panels
Author: Tolulope AinaPublished 26th Mar 2024

A Bristol science centre is set to reopen in July following years of repairs.

We The Curious has been shut since April 2022 due to substantial damage caused by a fire.

The freak incident occurred after a bird dropped a stone on a solar panel on the building's roof, causing it to malfunction.

According to a report by the Building Research Establishment the chance of such an event occurring is less than 0.01 percent.

We The Curious had hoped to reopen in January but faced delays in its supply chain.

WATCH: This video from February 2023 shows the repair work well underway

Bristol’s biggest science centre and educational charity has now announced its long-awaited reopening date will be Tuesday 2 July 2024.

The reopening will be marked with a celebration event planned for Saturday 6 July.

Tickets will go on sale closer to the time.

Donna Speed, CEO at We The Curious said: “We’re so excited to be able to announce our opening date this summer!

"The support we’ve had from our city has been incredible, so a huge thank you to everyone who’s continued to encourage us throughout the last two years – it really does mean a lot.

“It’s beyond heart-warming to hear how special We The Curious is to so many and the fondness they hold for it – and also how people who haven’t visited before are itching to experience everything on offer.

"We can’t wait to welcome you back very soon, and see the venue filled with joy and energy again!”

Formerly known as Explore At-Bristol and changing to We The Curious in 2017, the museum is considered a treasured part of Bristol’s story.

The building boasts of two floors packed with more than 200 science exhibits to explore.

Since the fire, staff have been conducting free outreach events in schools and communities, with over 270 free activities held reaching more than 37,000 people.

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