Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder: Science exhibition lands in Edinburgh

A selection of press images are available to download here.

This ground-breaking new exhibition, which runs from 9 December 2022 to 1 May 2023, will explore the science behind the global hit television series Doctor Who and will give fans a chance to experience the Doctor’s adventures from a scientific perspective.

Produced by leading experiential design experts Sarner International under license from BBC Studios, this new exhibition invites fans of all ages to explore the role science has played in the world’s longest running action-adventure show. The eight zones set within this educational exhibition cover a diverse selection of exciting scientific topics while drawing in content from across the full canon of Doctor Who. 

A range of hands-on immersive experiences and interactive features take visitors on a journey through Cosmic Curiosities, a TARDIS Tech room and the science behind time travel asking whether it really is possible, as well as the Monster Vault, where you can get up close with some of the weird and wonderful characters that have graced our screens.

Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder will offer a thrilling exploration of science for both established fans of the TV show and newcomers alike. The exhibition premiered at National Museums Liverpool’s World Museum, where it will run until 30 October.

Alison Cromarty, Head of Exhibitions & Design at National Museums Scotland, said:

“We are tremendously excited to be bringing this exhibition to Scotland. From the wonder of the science fiction of the TV show to our present-day understanding of the big scientific topics it touches on, there is something for everyone.”

Ed Cookson, Projects Director, Sarner International:

“For almost 60 years Doctor Who has been exploring mind-bending scientific developments. The iconic characters, monsters, stories, and settings of the television series provide a perfect guide through the wondrous worlds of space, time and science."

Doctor Who has strong Scottish connections. To date three Scots have played the role of The Doctor, Sylvester McCoy, David Tennant and Peter Capaldi (the Seventh, Tenth and Twelfth Doctors respectively) with a fourth, Ncuti Gatwa, recently announced as the new Doctor. Other notable cast members have included Companions Karen Gillan and Neve McIntosh as well as Michelle Gomez as Missy (The Master), with Alan Cumming having also appeared recently as King James VI & I. Another Scot, Steven Moffat, was showrunner from 2008 to 2017.

The show has featured several other Scottish icons. The Loch Ness Monster appears in 1975’s Terror of the Zygons with Tom Baker, while the Picts featured along with the 9^th Legion of the Roman army in 2017’s The Eaters of Light (which starred Peter Capaldi and Michelle Gomez). Other episodes set in Scotland include 2006’s Tooth and Claw, set in the Highlands and Under the Lake/Before the Flood (2015), set in Caithness.

The National Museum of Scotland is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery in mounting the exhibition. Tickets for Doctor Who World of Wonder will go on sale this autumn at www.nms.ac.uk/doctorwho.

Further information on exhibition and images from: Bruce Blacklaw, Press Office on 0131 247 4165 or email b.blacklaw@nms.ac.uk