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.
Please note that as of 1 January 2026 we have new operating hours (see sidebar).
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.
Visit Catalyst at weekends between 10th January and 8th February for a chance to see our family show. Shows at 12:30pm and 3:00pm What is Air? Do we really need it? How muc...
Weekend Workshops from 31st January to 8th February Join our hands-on workshop to find out which car is best: fossil fuel, electric or hydrogen powered? In this workshop, v...
5… 4… 3… 2… 1… Lift Off! Destination Space Shows return! 2026 will see the launch of Artemis II, the first crewed mission back around the Moon...
Catalyst is an accredited museum and home to an archive of over 100,000 historical artefacts and records from the British chemical industry.
We are delighted to have been awarded £1 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to deliver the Synergy Project – an exciting programme of works which will see a major refurbishment of the Birth of an Industry gallery and digitisation of our extensive archives, making our heritage more engaging and accessible than ever before.
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
