Star Trek at 60: The Science Museum's Free Warp Trail Launches
Star Trek turns 60 this year, and the Science Museum on Exhibition Road is boldly marking the occasion. Its Star Trek at 60 programme, a partnership with CBS, launches on Thursday 26 March and runs until September. The centrepiece is the Star Trek Warp Trail, a free route through the museum that sets screen-used props and costumes beside the real science they anticipated.
The Warp Trail
Rather than a single gallery, this is a find-it-yourself trail with eight stopping points spread through the building. Each object sits in its own glass case with two plaques: one explaining the prop and its place in the franchise, the other the real-world technology it echoes. Expect original screen-worn costumes, insignia badges, communicators, medical equipment and energy-storage devices.
Among the headline pieces is the prototype head of the android B-4, discovered by Data in Star Trek: Nemesis in 2002, displayed in the Engineers section as a prompt to think about today's AI assistants. Costumes include the Scotty uniform worn by Simon Pegg in the 2009 film and a suit worn by Sonequa Martin-Green as Michael Burnham, itself inspired by real spacesuits. In the pop-up shop, visitors can sit in a replica of the USS Discovery command chair, and the shelves carry books, models and collectables from names including Titan Books, Insight Editions, Metal Earth and Hornby. It is a useful stop for fans hunting anniversary gifts, and a tempting one for anyone with children in tow.
Launch night Lates
The programme opens with a special edition of the museum's adults-only Lates on 26 March, free to attend. Details of the launch include a costume catwalk in the Energy Hall, a 360-degree Enterprise bridge photo experience, talks on augments and replicators, DJs and performers. Fancy dress is very much encouraged.
Every film on the big screen
Alongside the trail, all 13 Star Trek feature films will screen in IMAX: The Ronson Theatre, many of them digitised for the first time. The films are spread across the season rather than shown back to back, so check dates and book ahead; IMAX tickets are paid, from £14. The museum shop's mezzanine will also carry anniversary products, including a limited-edition coin.
Why go
The trail works on two levels. Fans will enjoy the props; younger visitors get an engaging way into subjects such as robotics, medicine and energy, and it pairs naturally with the museum's permanent galleries. As the trail is free, it is also an easy add-on for anyone already visiting South Kensington for the V&A or the Natural History Museum.
Plan your visit
- The Science Museum is open daily from 10am to 6pm, and general admission is free.
- Expect the museum to be busy during the Easter holidays, so arrive early in the day.
- South Kensington station is a few minutes away via the pedestrian tunnel to Exhibition Road.
For more ideas nearby, browse our things to do and events pages.
Lead image: lesteph via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0.
