Catalyst Science Discovery Centre

17/10/2026

Catalyst needs you. ❤️

For generations, Catalyst has brought science to life, inspired curious minds and helped people discover the stories behind our world.

But right now, we’re facing a challenging time. Keeping a place like Catalyst running, inspiring visitors and creating experiences for future generations takes support - and we need your help.

Every visit, donation and share makes a difference. Whether you come along for a day of hands-on science, bring the family to explore, or make a small contribution, you’re helping us protect a place that means so much to our community.

We have an exciting future ahead, with a new chapter of Catalyst taking shape. We want to make sure there are many more discoveries, memories and big reactions to come.

If Catalyst has ever sparked your curiosity, made you smile or inspired you to see science differently, now is the time to show your support.

Come in. Get curious. Be part of the reaction.

❤️ Visit us, donate if you can, and share this message to help spread the word.

(link in bio)

16/10/2026

WE’RE STILL OPEN! 🧪❤️

Catalyst is open as usual, and we’d love to welcome you!

We’re currently facing financial challenges and asking our community, visitors and local businesses to help support our future. But there’s still plenty of science to discover, memories to make and curiosity to spark.

*From the 2nd November to the 20th December we will be open weekends only.
Pre booked schools, sleepovers and conferences will still be honoured.*

Every visit makes a difference. By bringing the family along, booking a visit or making a donation if you can, you’re helping us protect Catalyst for future generations.

We have an exciting future ahead, and we want you to be part of it.

So come along, get curious and help keep the reaction going! ❤️

🔗 Plan your visit or find out how to support us via the link in our bio.

Catalyst Science Discovery Centre & Museum is an independent charitable trust that aims to make science exciting and accessible to people of all ages and abilities, through fun interactive galleries, workshops, and shows

16/10/2026

🧼 CATALYST ESCAPE ROOM – 20TH NOVEMBER 2026 🔐

Step back in time to 1868 when our beloved Catalyst building was the Gossages soap works, a company once believed to be the largest soap manufacturer in the UK, if not the world!

William Gossage has suddenly left the factory to deal with a family emergency, and trouble is brewing. Security have discovered an unidentified intruder inside the works. Could it be a rival competitor hoping to steal Gossages’ top-secret soap formula?

There’s just one problem… only William Gossage knows where the precious formula is hidden!

As a team of factory workers, you’ve been recruited by security to find the formula before the intruder gets their hands on it.

🗝️ YOUR MISSION?

Crack the codes, unravel the clues, solve the puzzles and race against time to uncover Gossages’ closely guarded secret before it’s too late!

💷 PRICE: £30 per session
👥 TEAM SIZE: 2–6
Over 12s only
🕰️ SESSION TIMES: 5pm, 5.45pm, 6.30pm, 7.15pm and 8pm

📞 READY TO TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE?

Gather your team, put your detective skills to the test and see if you have what it takes to save Gossages’ secret formula!

🔎 The clock is ticking… will you crack the case?

The design and concept of this escape room were created by local writer

14/10/2026

Have any plans for Half-Term? Now you do!

Expect fizzzing, bubbling, flames and some explosive science in this Halloween special!

🗓️27th-30th October
🎟️ for only an additional £2.75 per person on top of the standard admission price.

13/10/2026

🧼 And guess what?

When our new Synergy gallery opens in 2027, we will be telling the stories of the people who shaped our past and the industries that put our area on the map. We'll be giving you a closer look at what life was really like and what happened behind the scenes.

👀 There’s so much more to uncover...

11/10/2026

🧪 Catalyst at Home: Magic Powder Glove! 🪄

We’re bringing a little bit of Catalyst science to you!

Follow the steps in the reel and see if you can make your own Magic Powder Glove! 🧤✨

You’ll need:
Pure talc powder
Water
A large glass container big enough to fit your hand

📌 Save this and give it a go at home then visit Catalyst to discover even more hands-on science and experiments!

Follow us for more little experiments & BIG discoveries!

⚠️ Adult supervision recommended

10/10/2026

The Catalyst Café is open for a selection of drinks, snacks and cakes available to enjoy. 🍰

Unfortunately, our hot food service is currently unavailable.

Thanks for your understanding!

08/10/2026

Did you know? 👀

Catalyst isn’t just filled with history and stories inside our galleries - our walls have stories of their own.

Swipe through to discover a little more of Catalyst’s story. 🧪🏭

How much of Catalyst’s history did you know?

08/10/2026

📸 Thank you to everyone who entered the photography competition - we loved what makes West Bank, Widnes and Halton special to you!

Your entries are now being passed onto our panel, for them to select the winners.

We will be in contact with the winners by the end of the month!

Stay tuned to find out who won👀 🏆

06/10/2026

🎭 9th October - Robin Ince: Let the Quiet Ones Rise, an evening of comedy brought to you by GiggleShack and Cultivate

🕖 Doors open at 7:30pm
🍹Snacks and Bar
🔞 Over 16s only
🎟️ Book your tickets online to secure your place

We also have a limited number of subsidised tickets available for just £5pp!
(for those on Universal Credit), email [email protected] to purchase.

We can't wait to see you there for a fantastic night of letting loose!