@Hannah_Museums

Hello Cultural Cheerleaders, today we’ll be chatting about the Steam to Green exhibition at Discovery Museum. Entry to the museum is free, including all exhibitions, although donations are welcome.

The exhibition launched this summer at Discovery Museum and it’ll be open until 6th September 2026. This may seem like a long time for a temporary exhibition, however the quality of the exhibition makes it feel in some ways like other permanent exhibitions at the museum with clever interactive activities and displays.

Steam to Green explores the North East’s story of energy using the industrial revolution, and the development of new green technology to show changes in energy production over time. It’s both fun and educational.

I found this exhibition to be very aesthetic, with some great design elements. They’ve used a great mix of media for people to enjoy, including screens to show videos, display models and interactive zones. Check out my Steam to Green reel on Instagram.

I really enjoyed the playful elements in this exhibition, there are 5 hands on interactive activities, including the wind simulator and solar aeroplanes which are a lot of fun to play with! If you love the Science Maze at Discovery Museum, you’ll enjoy Steam to Green, because it has a very similar vibe, perfect for people of all ages to enjoy, but especially great for families.

Tyne & Wear Museum’s message is one of hope for the future, highlighting positive changes in technology and industry that will impact climate crisis. It’s a great way to engage younger audiences in these ideas and discussions, in a way that won’t feel too overwhelming. I appreciated the inclusion of community stories, which made the exhibition relatable.

I love how the exhibition showcases historical science and engineering, alongside modern green science and engineering. When you enter the museum you’re immediately immersed in the theme, with a cutaway electric NISSAN leaf car taking centre stage, next Turbinia, the first steam turbine-powered steamship. It’s rather fitting of the theme that these two objects are displayed alongside each other.

The gift-shop is stocked up with exhibition merch, and as a lover of museum merch, and good branding, I personally couldn’t help but buy a key-ring and coffee cup.

Alongside the exhibition is some great programming, that’s inclusive for all audiences, with a family events programme already announced, with more family events coming for October half-term.

I’m personally very excited to see some adult events planned, with a free museum social event, and details to be announced soon for the ‘Steam to Grin’ adults only comedy night – I’ll be keeping an eye out for that one!

If you’re looking for a different date night idea, or a fun excuse to catch up with friends then I would highly recommend the adult events at Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums. I attended my first museum late event last weekend at Great North Museum: Hancock, and I love that they’re embracing more adult focused events. If you’d like to see what I got up to at Great North Nights, check out my Great North Night reel on Instagram.

I guarantee this exhibition will become a fast favourite with visitors to Discovery, so get yourself along to the Steam to Green exhibition, and join the fun!

H