It's all fun and games | Museum exhibition

by Anne Plissoneau

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Science Museum, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD 

★★★

“The world’s a playground. You know that when you are a kid, but somewhere along the way everyone forgets it.”

This quote from the film Yes Man! is certainly true but not when it comes to an evening at the Science Museum. Jumping around a room on a space hopper, making Zen gardens out of sand and trying to do a front flip that you know won’t land on a bouncy castle.

That certainly doesn’t sound like a typical evening out but this is only a few of the things that Late @ the Science Museum has to offer. This event is held every last Friday of the month and is free (although there is an optional donation for admission fee) so you definitely get more than you pay for.

We arrived fashionably late at 7.30pm only to find out that a speed dating event had sold out. With 80 people attending at the price of £6  each including a drink it seemed like the most popular paid event by far. The age range was an average of 25 – 35 and people seemed to be enjoying themselves.

Next up was silent disco, one of the many free events of the night. With a great atmosphere, goofy dancing all around and music from the likes of Eminem, Daft Punk and Barry White you definitely feel the need to follow the lead of those surrounding you.

After breaking a sweat we decided to head to one of the many bars around the museum only to find out that drinks were quite pricey. At £4 for a small bottle of Carlsberg, £1.70 for a can of soda or £1.35 for water, I would definitely advise you to bring your own drink.

Getting lost on our way to the Red Arrows 3D flight simulator – something that was underwhelming and not to be recommended unless looking for an educational experience – we stumbled upon a room that is guaranteed to bring out your inner child.

Space hoppers scattered all over the place with a bouncy castle in the middle and people making Zen gardens out of sand, it was not a sight I had expected to see at an adult event and for many this seemed to be the highlight of their evening.

The overall experience was good but I think that the venue was a very important part of what makes it so enjoyable. I recommend taking your own drink, which would save you money. I would also advise arriving before 7:30, so as to not miss anything.