Walking into the YOU:MATTER exhibition at the National Science and Media Museum feels like stepping into another dimension. The exhibition carries visitors to the very heart of life. Running from 3 April 2025 to 22 February 2026 as part of Bradford’s City of Culture celebrations, the exhibition merges art, science, and technology to present a compelling exploration of our connection to the universe.
Created by the artist collective Marshmallow Laser Feast (MLF), YOU:MATTER enables visitors to see themselves as part of a vast, interconnected whole. The entranceway is lit by a blazing 3D sun, while a digital forest responds to each breath, creating a sensory sense of connection to nature.
YOU:MATTER
One of the exhibition’s artworks uses NASA data to show Earth’s breathing rhythms, transforming the planet’s cycles into a immense, beating heart. Long after you leave the museum, you will be struck by the beauty and sorrow of our planet’s vulnerability.
Equally compelling is a display that follows the journey of a single drop of water, tracing its path from cloud to ocean to human body. It’s a metaphor that conveys the circle of life. The exhibition’s mirrored floors, dynamic lighting effects and ambient noises create a deeply immersive, multi-sensory experience.
For 20-year-old student Zara, the exhibition delivered a powerful message. “It felt like I was part of a living ecosystem,” she said. “Seeing myself reflected in nature was a reminder of how connected we all are.”
Another visitor highlighted the interactive nature of the exhibition:
“I appreciated how many elements you could interact with – you can see how your input affects the environment around you. It’s thought-provoking too, reminding you that we’re part of everything, and that connection works both ways.
“Plus, some of the technology is so advanced that it makes learning about our connection to the universe fun and engaging.”
National Science and Media Museum
YOU:MATTER serves as a valuable educational resource, with workshops and group tours focused on explaining and deconstructing the science behind the installations. Schools and community groups are encouraged to book in advance to make the most of the exhibition’s educational potential.
Accessibility is a priority, with large-print guides, audio descriptions, and gallery maps available. Visitors with sensory sensitivities are advised that some installations feature loud sounds and dynamic lighting.
The exhibition runs until 22 February 2026 at Gallery 1, Level 1, National Science and Media Museum, Bradford. Tickets start from £2 with booking via the museum’s website.
As Bradford continues to celebrate as UK City of Culture, YOU:MATTER stands out as a must-see experience – a thought-provoking reminder of our place in the universe and the connections that bring us together.
