Putting inclusion, access and participation at the heart of the National Science and Media Museum

The £6.8million transformation spans two floors and features more than 500 exhibits, a new art commission and a range of interactive displays – ranging from seeing the Cottingley Fairies up close to mixing a live DJ set.
Our grant – totalling over £3m – has enabled the museum to plan the new spaces to be inclusive and accessible, so that as many people as possible can enjoy the world-class heritage on display.
The project has been a process of co-design throughout, with the museum working closely with communities in Bradford to inform the stories it tells, how these look and feel and how visitors will experience the galleries.
Working together to create an inclusive experience
Consultation and collaboration were pivotal in shaping Sound and Vision. In the early stages of the project, the museum identified key audiences to work with, including young people aged 14–19, as well as D/deaf and hard of hearing, blind and partially sighted and neurodiverse visitors.
The museum partnered with accessible design agency Mima to ensure the breadth of audience needs were considered at every step – from allowing enough room for a motorised wheelchair to turn around, to alternative routes that avoid heightened sound or visual elements.
A Youth Forum and community Access Panel provided inspiration and expertise, and a tactile visitor map was developed in partnership with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).

Throughout the gallery, exhibits include tactile models and Braille labels, all films are subtitled, and gallery tours and guides are available in large print, British Sign Language (BSL), audio described and visual journey formats.
Jo Quinton-Tulloch, Director of the National Science and Media Museum, said: “The Sound and Vision galleries have been a true labour of love and collaboration, and they showcase our incredible collections in new and innovative ways.
“We have worked closely with a huge range of people to develop the galleries, ensuring these spaces work for everyone and that our visitors feel represented in the stories we tell. Consultation with our local communities has been crucial and it feels especially significant to be opening the galleries during Bradford’s year as UK City of Culture.”
Supporting Bradford, City of Culture 2025
We’ve invested over £61m in more than 320 projects across Bradford since 1994. This year, as it celebrates being City of Culture, the community will be able to explore transformations we’ve funded at Bradford Live and Bradford Arts Centre, due to open soon.
The Bradford 2025 programme includes a variety of events, ranging from an open-air gallery on the moors to unique guided walking tours – all made possible thanks to National Lottery players.
Find out more about heritage projects we’re supporting across the north of England.