Catalyst Science Discovery Centre - A unique interactive museum for all ages.
Source: http://www.catalyst.org.uk
Archived: 2026-04-23 15:30
Catalyst Science Discovery Centre - A unique interactive museum for all ages.
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Museum
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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!
Please note that as of 1 January 2026 we have new operating hours (see sidebar below).
Book your visit
Donate
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.
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
.
Opening Times
Term-Time Monday:
Closed
Term-Time Tuesday and Wednesday:
10:00 - 14:00*
Term-Time Thursday to Sunday:
10:00 - 16:00
*School holidays - 14th - 17th April
10:00 - 16:00
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
Interactive Gallery
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.
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!
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 which bring the past vividly to life.
Observatory Gallery
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.
Visits and Prices
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.
Find out more
Group visits
Why not consider bringing your group to Catalyst? We have a unique package for U3A or Probus Groups and reduced rates for Brownie, Scout or holiday activity clubs with more than 10 people.
Find out more
Heritage afternoon tea
Why not treat yourself to a heritage afternoon tea served in our stunning Observatory gallery?
Find out more
Birthday parties
Looking for a unique place for your child’s birthday party? We are a brilliant party venue offering a safe, fun-packed experience for all ages!
Find out more
Conferences
Why settle for the usual when you can select the unusual for your meetings, presentations or training events. Catalyst is housed in a Grade II listed building steeped in industrial history with fascinating exhibits and displays that will inspire your delegates.
Find out more
Access
Catalyst has been designed with all visitors in mind, with ramped access to the building, level access to all areas, a lift to all floors and accessible cafe, shop and a Changing Places facility.
Find out more
What's on?
Coming up at Catalyst...
4th Mar -
15th Jul
Little Wonders
Wednesdays 9.15am – 10.30am Every Wednesday during term time (March to July 2026), join us for an educational morning filled with hands-on sensory learning, interacti...
Find out more
5th Mar -
16th Jul
Breakfast & Brew
Thursdays 10am – 12pm Catalyst invites over 50s to join us for breakfast on Thursdays, 10am -12pm, at our NEW Breakfast and Brew Club! These mornings will run in term...
Find out more
18th Apr -
17th May
Operation Earth – Weekend Workshops
Visit Catalyst at weekends between 18th April and 17th May for a chance to see our Operation Earth Show! Come along to our family show and to...
Find out more
18th Apr -
17th May
Bee Discovery – Weekend Workshops
Visit Catalyst at weekends between 18th April and 17th May for a chance to join our hands-on workshop. Come and learn about one of nature’s best scientists – th...
Find out more
See all Upcoming Events
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.
Special Events
Workshops
New Developments
How to book
Education Programme
Find Out More
Fancy a sleepover in our glass-walled Observatory Gallery?
Find out more
The Museum
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.
Find out more about the Synergy Project
Library List
Find out more about the Synergy Project
Find out more
Our Collection
We have numerous research and photographic archives within the Chemical Industry available for use.
Find out more
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
Catalyst is an independent charitable trust managed by a board of Trustees.
Find out more
Patrons
Catalyst has a number of high profile Patrons
Find out more
Supporters and Partners
Catalyst, its Trustees and staff would like to express their grateful thanks to the following individuals and organisations who currently support the centre.
Find out more
Vacancies at Catalyst
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?
Find out more
Corporate Partnership Scheme
By joining our Corporate Partnership Scheme you can help Catalyst achieve its aim of preserving the past and inspiring the future.
Find out more
Periodic Table – Individual Sponsors
Looking for a unique gift for a loved one? Why not sponsor an element for them on our interactive periodic table?
Find out more
Volunteering at Catalyst
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:
Find out more
Community
Catalyst believes everyone should have the opportunity to experience the wonder of science and learn more about our industrial heritage.
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
Community Partners
Catalyst is working with a number of organisations in our community.
Find out more
Community Exhibitions and Events
From accessibility audits and poster designs to community led exhibitions, Catalyst has an exciting programme of events planned.
Find out more
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum is dedicated to encouraging a supportive and inclusive culture across the whole organisation.
Find out more
Outreach
Catalyst will be out and about at various events throughout the year - come along and say hello!
Find out more
Get involved!
Find out how your local community group can become involved with Catalyst.
Find out more
Sign up for our latest news
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
0151 420 1121
Visit
Groups
Science
Families
Schools
Workshops
Museum
Library List
Collection
Gallery
Support Us
What's On?
News
Contact Us
@CatalystSDC
Catalyst Science Discovery Centre
Catalyst Museum
@CatalystSDC
Privacy Policy
© Catalyst Science Discovery Centre 2026
Design and build by
Future
Visit
Schools
Museum
About Us
Community
News
Contact Us
What's On?
Close
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!
Please note that as of 1 January 2026 we have new operating hours (see sidebar below).
Book your visit
Donate
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.
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
.
Opening Times
Term-Time Monday:
Closed
Term-Time Tuesday and Wednesday:
10:00 - 14:00*
Term-Time Thursday to Sunday:
10:00 - 16:00
*School holidays - 14th - 17th April
10:00 - 16:00
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
Interactive Gallery
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.
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!
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 which bring the past vividly to life.
Observatory Gallery
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.
Visits and Prices
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.
Find out more
Group visits
Why not consider bringing your group to Catalyst? We have a unique package for U3A or Probus Groups and reduced rates for Brownie, Scout or holiday activity clubs with more than 10 people.
Find out more
Heritage afternoon tea
Why not treat yourself to a heritage afternoon tea served in our stunning Observatory gallery?
Find out more
Birthday parties
Looking for a unique place for your child’s birthday party? We are a brilliant party venue offering a safe, fun-packed experience for all ages!
Find out more
Conferences
Why settle for the usual when you can select the unusual for your meetings, presentations or training events. Catalyst is housed in a Grade II listed building steeped in industrial history with fascinating exhibits and displays that will inspire your delegates.
Find out more
Access
Catalyst has been designed with all visitors in mind, with ramped access to the building, level access to all areas, a lift to all floors and accessible cafe, shop and a Changing Places facility.
Find out more
What's on?
Coming up at Catalyst...
4th Mar -
15th Jul
Little Wonders
Wednesdays 9.15am – 10.30am Every Wednesday during term time (March to July 2026), join us for an educational morning filled with hands-on sensory learning, interacti...
Find out more
5th Mar -
16th Jul
Breakfast & Brew
Thursdays 10am – 12pm Catalyst invites over 50s to join us for breakfast on Thursdays, 10am -12pm, at our NEW Breakfast and Brew Club! These mornings will run in term...
Find out more
18th Apr -
17th May
Operation Earth – Weekend Workshops
Visit Catalyst at weekends between 18th April and 17th May for a chance to see our Operation Earth Show! Come along to our family show and to...
Find out more
18th Apr -
17th May
Bee Discovery – Weekend Workshops
Visit Catalyst at weekends between 18th April and 17th May for a chance to join our hands-on workshop. Come and learn about one of nature’s best scientists – th...
Find out more
See all Upcoming Events
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.
Special Events
Workshops
New Developments
How to book
Education Programme
Find Out More
Fancy a sleepover in our glass-walled Observatory Gallery?
Find out more
The Museum
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.
Find out more about the Synergy Project
Library List
Find out more about the Synergy Project
Find out more
Our Collection
We have numerous research and photographic archives within the Chemical Industry available for use.
Find out more
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
Catalyst is an independent charitable trust managed by a board of Trustees.
Find out more
Patrons
Catalyst has a number of high profile Patrons
Find out more
Supporters and Partners
Catalyst, its Trustees and staff would like to express their grateful thanks to the following individuals and organisations who currently support the centre.
Find out more
Vacancies at Catalyst
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?
Find out more
Corporate Partnership Scheme
By joining our Corporate Partnership Scheme you can help Catalyst achieve its aim of preserving the past and inspiring the future.
Find out more
Periodic Table – Individual Sponsors
Looking for a unique gift for a loved one? Why not sponsor an element for them on our interactive periodic table?
Find out more
Volunteering at Catalyst
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:
Find out more
Community
Catalyst believes everyone should have the opportunity to experience the wonder of science and learn more about our industrial heritage.
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
Community Partners
Catalyst is working with a number of organisations in our community.
Find out more
Community Exhibitions and Events
From accessibility audits and poster designs to community led exhibitions, Catalyst has an exciting programme of events planned.
Find out more
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum is dedicated to encouraging a supportive and inclusive culture across the whole organisation.
Find out more
Outreach
Catalyst will be out and about at various events throughout the year - come along and say hello!
Find out more
Get involved!
Find out how your local community group can become involved with Catalyst.
Find out more
Sign up for our latest news
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
0151 420 1121
Visit
Groups
Science
Families
Schools
Workshops
Museum
Library List
Collection
Gallery
Support Us
What's On?
News
Contact Us
@CatalystSDC
Catalyst Science Discovery Centre
Catalyst Museum
@CatalystSDC
Privacy Policy
© Catalyst Science Discovery Centre 2026
Design and build by
Future