We The Curious: Reopening of Bristol museum damaged by fire delayed

The science centre and visitor attraction is located on Bristol's popular harbourside

A Bristol science museum damaged in a fire has had to delay its reopening date until later this year.

The blaze broke out on the roof at We The Curious in April 2022 after a solar panel was damaged by birds, triggering a fault in the electrical system.

The museum had hoped to reopen in early 2024 but said supply chain delays meant this was no longer feasible.

The Grade II listed museum said it aimed to provide another update in the coming weeks.

The building in Millennium Square suffered significant damage in the fire and needed extensive restoration works.

This included installing a new raised access floor, new electrics and mechanical items as well as new metal framed ceilings.

The ground and first floors also required major redecoration due to water damage after thousands of litres of water was used to put out the fire.

Due to extensive water damage, the second floor of the building had to be gutted and stripped back

"It's disappointing to have a few more months of closure ahead of us than we'd originally hoped," a museum spokesperson said.

"We know our audiences will be disappointed too.

"Nevertheless, we're starting the year optimistically, with the repair work moving towards the final completion phase, our staff back working in the building and new members of the team being recruited ready for reopening."

The roof was damaged by the fire started by an electrical fault on solar panels

Since the fire, staff have been conducting free outreach activities in schools and communities, with over 260 events across Bristol.

After the Easter holidays, teams are expected to pivot to prioritise reopening the site.

"We remain absolutely committed to reopening, but we're being ultra cautious on naming exact dates until we have greater certainty so that we don't let anyone down," the spokesperson said.