Catalyst is a great science based family attraction with an excellent educational focus. At weekends and during school holidays everyone can have fun, taking part in our hands-on workshop activities or see a family science show.
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.
For accessibility information (including SEND accommodations) see our Access Page.
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
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!
Housing a range of 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 ball run in this interactive gallery.
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!
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 which bring the past vividly to life.
A glass walled, roof-top gallery accessed by an external glass lift, with stunning panoramic views and hands-on exhibits. An ideal spot to learn about the heritage of the area with our information cards.
Throughout the months of November and December 2025 we will be supporting our local community with a special community entry price of just £5 per person! Proof of address (...
Weekend Workshops From Saturday 8th November to Sunday 14th December 2025 Workshops at 12.30pm and 3.00pm Be like Elsa and discover all about the science of ice and snow! L...
Weekend Workshops From Saturday 15th November to Sunday 14th December 2025 Workshops at 11.30am and 2.00pm Oh no! Santa’s got tummy troubles, join us in our lab to learn mo...
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.
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’s mission is to . . .
. . . the widest audience about the relevance of chemistry, through:
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.
Community engagement is about ensuring our communities feel welcome, represented and actively and creatively engaged, placing people at the heart of what we do.
We work with our community partners, designing projects that will increase access for all to Catalyst.
If you are a community group and would like to work with us, please contact our Community Engagement Coordinator on 0151 420 1121
