Launch of Curious Timeline

The Curious Timeline launches 24 October inside the foyer of We The Curious, for both visitors and those just wishing to pop in and view the installation
The Timeline features stories, photos, and memories collected from Bristol’s residents and visitors, after a call out earlier this year
Visitors can explore, interact with, and even add to the timeline to imagine the future

Earlier this year, as part of its 25th birthday celebrations, We The Curious invited the people of Bristol to share their memories, photos, videos, and stories, helping to shape a one-of-a-kind interactive timeline. The response was overwhelming, with contributions capturing everything from early school visits and Planetarium “wow moments” to personal life stories created at We The Curious.

Now, these contributions have been brought to life with the help of interactive design studio Stand + Stare, transforming them into an engaging, living timeline that celebrates the past, present, and future of Bristol’s curiosity through images and interactive elements designed for all ages. The Curious Timeline is made from physical materials that have been squirreled away at the science centre – recycled pieces from the workshop, archival material, and repurposed parts of past exhibits all feature. The artists took inspiration from imagining these stored treasures coming back to life and marching out of the store cupboard to share their memories.

Memories featured in The Curious Timeline vary from families over the generations discovering the joy of the science centre, to couples finding love amongst the stars of the planetarium.

Peeping through a hole to see the Curious Timeline

The Curious Timeline - a colourful collection of displays, pictures and painted smiley faces. Artists: Stand + Stare

Here's looking at you! Cheeky characters coming to life in the Curious Timeline. Artists: Stand + Stare

A smiley face painted on to the Curious Timeline. Artist: Tom Sears

Jaz shared a personal memory saying:
“My partner proposed to me! We got engaged in the Rainbow Constellation exhibit, under warm pink light.”

And Taryn, reflected on the longstanding connection their family has to We The Curious:
“That early spark of curiosity has evolved into a cherished family tradition, extending through generations. We've since introduced my (now) 18-year-old grandson to its wonders countless times, and more recently, my 6-year-old granddaughter. We eagerly anticipate her 2-year-old sister's first visit soon… It's truly become a cornerstone of our family's shared experiences, a place where discovery and enjoyment intertwine, and a legacy we're delighted to continue.”

The Curious Timeline will be on display inside We The Curious from 24 October, offering visitors the chance to explore rich stories from across the city and even imagine what comes next. Families, science lovers, teachers, students and city explorers are invited to interact with the timeline and can add to the timeline with thoughts on the future.

Rosalie White, Creative Director at We The Curious, said:
“Seeing the Curious Timeline come to life is incredibly exciting. It’s a celebration not just of our 25 years, but of everyone in Bristol who has shaped what We The Curious is today. Curiosity doesn’t belong to any one person, it belongs to all of us.

“From half-term adventures to quiet moments of inspiration, we think the timeline will really connect with our visitors. It contains so many special memories, which piece together a moving picture of family ties, formative moments and joyful encounters. We feel so privileged to share these stories.

“And this is just the beginning. People can keep adding their ideas and help us imagine the next chapter of curiosity in Bristol.”

Lucy Telling, Co-Artistic Director at Stand + Stare, said:
“It has been an absolute joy delving into all the memories and contributions from the public. What stands out is how We the Curious holds such a special place in people’s hearts, spanning generations - parents who came as children and grandparents who remember when it opened and now bring their grandchildren. There are experiences which have led to career choices in science, sparks of inspiration and true romance!

“In the spirit of sustainability we decided to use materials from past exhibits to tell the stories of the past 25 years - literally the stories from the storeroom marching out into the foyer to celebrate this big birthday. Each year in the Curious Timeline is personified with a face to bring the materials and stories to life in what we hope will be a fun and appealing exhibit for all ages.”

The Curious Timeline will be open to visitors from 24 October, continuing the 25th birthday celebrations over October half term and beyond.

For more info or interview requests:

Jemma@wonderlandcomms.com | Wonderland Communications
Pearl@wonderlandcomms.com | Wonderland Communications

Notes to editors:

ABOUT WE THE CURIOUS
We The Curious is an educational charity and South West England’s leading science centre. We produce experiences that bring people together to play, get creative with science, and explore different ideas. We work with partners locally and nationally to support curiosity, skill development, and wellbeing.

Our vision asks: “What if everyone is included, curious, and inspired by science to build a better world together?”

For more information, images, interviews, or to arrange a press trip, contact Jen Forster, Communications Lead – jen.forster@wethecurious.org or 07967 334152.

Follow We The Curious on Facebook (wethecurious) or Instagram (@wethecurious_). Visit www.wethecurious.org.

ABOUT STAND + STARE:
Stand + Stare develop innovative and beautifully-crafted ways to share stories that combine digital and physical experiences.

Our work spans commissions within the heritage and museum sector, one-of-a-kind experiences for commercial clients, dynamic academic collaborations and direct engagement with local communities. Our projects connect people through multisensory experiences in the form of interactive exhibits, apps and workshops. We make work that is accessible, creating shared experiences that a whole community can enjoy.

Founded in 2009 by brother and sister, Barney Heywood and Lucy Telling, Stand + Stare’s first project was an immersive event bringing together a vibrant community of artists and performers to create a singular and unforgettable experience. The ideas and principles established in those early days laid the foundation for the company’s evolution, growth and distinct approach. A sense of warmth, expansive research and meticulous attention to detail in design and finish are hallmarks of the unique experiences we now create.

Our studio is at SVA in Stroud and we’re also a resident company at the Pervasive Media Studio in Bristol. Our core team regularly works with an established network of collaborators, with diverse specialisms including fabrication, computer science, app development and academia. This complements our in-house research, design, animation and project-management expertise. Our collaborations derive playful and meaningful explorations of the relationship between digital and physical worlds, and bring stories to life in surprising and captivating ways.

https://www.standandstare.com/