A mix of engineering challenges, art workshops and fossil storytelling is on offer at STEAM – Museum of the Great Western Railway and Museum & Art Swindon.
At STEAM, drop-in activities will run throughout the week and are included in the standard admission price. The museum will also host a special Festival of Tomorrow event.
The ‘Be an Engineer!’ session will take place in the Great Western Hall between 11am and 3.30pm on Wednesday 18 February. Children will be able to take part in hands-on bridge-building challenges using Polydron kits, including timed competitions against friends and family.
The event is designed to reflect Swindon’s railway heritage while encouraging young people to develop problem-solving skills.
In the town centre, Museum & Art Swindon is focusing on art and imagination. On Saturday 14 February, drawing workshops inspired by the Henry Orlik Surrealism exhibition will be held at 11am and 2pm.
The £5 sessions will allow participants to experiment with charcoal, pastels, paint pens and drawing pens under the guidance of the museum’s Learning Team. Attendees will be encouraged to create their own fantastical worlds or mythical creatures.
Families can also attend Fossil Hunters storytelling and craft on Tuesday 17 February from 2pm to 3.15pm. The £5 session will feature professional storyteller Kirsty Hartsiotis and include the chance to handle fossils dating back around 150 million years, as well as make a clay fossil to take home.
Free creative drop-in sessions are scheduled for Wednesday 18 February and Saturday 21 February between 10.30am and 4.30pm. Activities will include designing fantasy worlds on a giant magnetic story board and making adventure story dice or chatterboxes.
Throughout the half term, Museum Explorer and Art Explorer trails will be available, with certificates awarded to children who complete them.
As an added highlight, the Mayor of Swindon, Fay Howard, will host a pancake decorating session in the Mayor’s Parlour on Tuesday 17 February.
The free event will begin at 3.15pm and will include the opportunity to explore the Civic Chambers before decorating and eating a freshly made pancake. Advance booking is required, with one earlier slot already fully booked.
Full details and booking information for all activities are available via the museums’ websites at www.steam-museum.org.uk and www.museumartswindon.com
