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Catalyst Science Discovery Centre - we put the fun in science

We put the fun in science

Catalyst is normally open Tuesday to
Sunday offering a host of interactive
exhibits, museum archives, historical
galleries, family shows and hands-on
workshops!

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WE'RE RECRUITING! These are exciting times at Catalyst as we continue to grow our visitor appeal and prepare for a major re-invention of our exhibits. If you'd like to join us on our journey then click here for more information.

A unique interactive experience for all ages.

A host of interactive exhibits, re-constructed scenes, science shows and hands-on workshops stimulate the senses bringing a range of subjects to life from Science, Maths, Engineering and Technology to the Humanities and Geography. Suitable for pupils from Key Stage 1 through to Key Stage 3.

Catalyst offers an entertaining educational experience.

Catalyst Illustration
Time
Location
Food

Opening Times

  • Tuesday to Friday (usually)
    10:00 - 17:00
  • Saturday and Sunday
    10:00 - 17:00
  • School holidays (inc most Mondays in local school holidays)
    10:00 - 17:00
  • Christmas Holidays
    Closed 24, 25, 26 and 31 Dec & 1 Jan
  • Last admission is one hour before closing

Location

Mersey Road, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 0DF.

Catalyst has a large free car park.

If you are coming over the Mersey Gateway Bridge or the Silver Jubilee Bridge, please don't forget to pay your toll within 24 hours. This can be done online at www.merseyflow.co.uk


See Directions Here

Café

The Catalyst Café is the perfect place to buy a tasty snack or drink whilst you admire the riverside views and the view of the Mersey Gateway bridge. Both the cafe and the shop are open to the general public without paying admission to Catalyst. We’re dog friendly too!

 

Your Visit
Your Visit

Your visit

Science Gallery

Interactive Gallery

Housing a range of brand new, hands-on exhibits allowing you to investigate science and technology. Film in our TV studio, test the scarf shooter, make an animation or create a marble run in this interactive gallery.

Science Gallery

Theatre & Catalyst Laboratory

Two fantastic teaching spaces funded by the Millennium Commission. Hosting a range of workshops and hands-on activities for pupils from 8 years and upwards. The Theatre hosts a range of science talks and shows too!

Science Gallery

Birth of an Industry

Investigate the development of the Chemical Industry from ancient times up to the 1940s with the aid of fascinating historical objects, life like reconstructions, archive films and computer quizzes which bring the past vividly to life.

Science Gallery

Observatory Gallery

A glass walled, roof-top gallery accessed by an external glass lift, with panoramic views, hands-on exhibits and an extensive photographic collection. An ideal spot to learn about the heritage of the area with our Panoramic Halton tablets.

What's on?

What's on?

Coming up at Catalyst...

23rd Mar

Forensic Anthropology Day!

Visit Catalyst on Saturday 23rd March for a chance to take part in three exciting workshops presented by Forensic Anthropologist Dr Chris Aris! These workshops are suitable...

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24th Mar - 14th Apr

Fantastic Plastic!

Visit Catalyst between 24th March to 14th April and join our hands-on workshop Find out all about a smart material called CAPA. Heat the plastic granules and mould your own...

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29th Mar - 12th Apr

The Chocolate Show

Visit Catalyst between 29th March and 12th April for a chance to see our Chocolate Show! Come and find out about the history and science of our favourite Easter treat in th...

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See all Upcoming Events
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What's on?

Schools

Catalyst aims to get your pupils excited and engaged with science and other STEM subjects

As well as visiting the museum galleries, you can choose from a range of hands-on workshops and science shows to give your pupils a unique educational trip to remember.

Education Programme

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Workshops confetti
Workshops confetti

Fancy a sleepover in our glass-walled Observatory Gallery?

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Museum

The Museum

Explore the development of the Chemical Industry from ancient times up to the 1940s with reconstructed scenes, archive films and computer quizzes bringing the past to life.

Beginning with early civilisation, the exhibition looks at the use of natural pigments, dyes and new technology concerning the use of materials. It considers the importance of the industrial revolution, the introduction of health and safety laws and looks at some of the great discoveries of the past and the birth of the multi million pound empires of the major chemical companies in the 1930s and 1940s.

See more photos in the gallery
Support

About Us

Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum Trust Ltd is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee. It is managed by an independent Chief Executive Officer, Nikki Burton Mallott and a Board of Trustees who are responsible for the overall governance of the charity.

Catalyst Mission Statement

Catalyst’s mission is to . . .

inform, educate and inspire

. . . the widest audience about the relevance of chemistry, through:

  • our unique offerings and hands-on experiences
  • our rich industrial heritage archives
  • our strong links to the local area

Catalyst’s Vision Statement

To be a premier visitor attraction, recognised as the best Science Discovery Centre dedicated to chemistry and a unique Museum of the chemical heritage of NW England.

Trustees

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Catalyst is an independent charitable trust managed by a board of Trustees.

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Patrons

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Catalyst has a number of high profile Patrons

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Supporters and Partners

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Catalyst, its Trustees and staff would like to express their grateful thanks to the following individuals and organisations who currently support the centre.

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Friends of Catalyst

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Catalyst is a charitable organisation and is funded with a little help from our 'Friends'.

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Vacancies at Catalyst

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Would you like to join our small team, striving to make Catalyst a premier attraction, recognised as the best Science Discovery Centre dedicated to chemistry and a unique Museum of NW England?

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Corporate Partnership Scheme

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By joining our Corporate Partnership Scheme you can help Catalyst achieve its aim of preserving the past and inspiring the future.

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Volunteering at Catalyst

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From making new friends to preserving our local history, inspiring young ones into a love of science or simply enhancing your CV, volunteering is a great opportunity to make a real difference. At Catalyst there's something for everyone:

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Support

Community

Catalyst believes everyone should have the opportunity to be inspired by the wonder of science.

Catalyst works with many different groups and partner organisations to co-design and deliver activities both inside and outside the museum. These activities aim to break down barriers and increase access to science, and thanks to a grant from the Inspiring Science Fund, we will be launched a host of new activities and projects in collaboration with local communities.

For more information contact Community Engagement Coordinator on 0151 420 1121

Community Partners

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Catalyst is working with a number of organisations in our community.

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Community Projects and Events

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From accessibility audits and poster designs to community led exhibitions, Catalyst has an exciting programme of events planned.

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Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

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Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum is dedicated to encouraging a supportive and inclusive culture across the whole organisation.

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Outreach

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Catalyst will be out and about at various events throughout the year - come along and say hello!

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Get involved!

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Find out how your local community group can become involved with Catalyst.

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