The Moon - Meet our Nearest Neighbour

The Moon: Meet Our Nearest Neighbour is a touring exhibition by Bespoke Scientific that has landed at The Hold, Suffolk's purpose-built archive centre on Ipswich's Waterfront, for the whole of summer 2026. It is free to enter and warmly suited to families, curious minds, and space enthusiasts of every age.

Humans have gazed up at the Moon for millennia, and this exhibition brings it compellingly close. Expect a wide sweep of subjects, from the science of tides and nocturnal wildlife to the drama of the Cold War Space Race and the pivotal moments of the 1969 Apollo landing. Local stories are woven throughout, including the astronomical work of Alice Grace Cook, a pioneering female astronomer from Stowmarket, and talks exploring how Suffolk archaeologist Basil Brown turned his eye to the night sky.

What to expect

• Touch a genuine piece of Moon rock, one of the rarest hands-on encounters you will find in the region
• Stand beneath a giant inflatable solar system suspended overhead
• Catch an immersive session inside the Wonder Dome Planetarium, visiting on selected dates in August
• Enjoy film screenings of family favourites and space-themed craft sessions, including relaxed editions for visitors with additional needs
• Pick up tips from local astronomy groups on reading the night sky from home

Good to know

• Open daily from 10am to 4:30pm, running from 26 June to 19 September 2026
• Entry to the main exhibition is free
• The Hold is on Ipswich Waterfront; for the full accompanying events programme, visit suffolkarchives.co.uk