Voyage to the Deep: A Messy Yet Fun Underwater Adventure at the Horniman Museum
The Horniman Museum in Forest Hill has launched its latest children's exhibition, Voyage to the Deep – Underwater Adventures, and it's a vibrant, albeit somewhat chaotic, exploration of aquatic themes. Running until November 1, 2026, this touring exhibition from Australia's National Maritime Museum combines elements from Jules Verne's classic novel Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea with popular animated series Octonauts, creating an engaging experience primarily aimed at preschool-aged children.
A Distinct Identity with a Jules Verne Twist
Unlike some generic touring kids' exhibitions that occasionally visit the Horniman, Voyage to the Deep establishes a unique identity through its Victorian adventure novel inspiration. The exhibition room is dominated by an exploded recreation of the Nautilus, Captain Nemo's fictional submarine from Verne's 1870 science fiction masterpiece. While the novel's darker themes of vengeance are omitted, the submarine serves as a captivating centerpiece that sparks imagination.
Through various interactive stations within the Nautilus, children can learn basic concepts about submarine operations, though the focus remains on fun rather than hard science. From steampunky controls on CGI screens that allow young visitors to "steer" the sub through virtual oceans to bunks, grabber claws, and curiosity-filled storage cupboards, the exhibition offers a range of themed activities. A particular highlight at the back is a small helter skelter – not canonical to Verne's work but guaranteed to delight children.
Educational Layers and Aquatic Wonders
The exhibition incorporates educational elements through display cards that explain the premise of Verne's novel and provide context (including clarifying what a league actually is), offering an additional layer of interest for slightly older primary-aged children. For the UK showing only, Octonauts-based aquatic fact cards have been added to enhance the learning experience with simpler content.
Beyond the literary references, Voyage to the Deep features environmental elements that captivate young minds. A giant synthetic kelp forest creates an immersive underwater atmosphere, while a bank of small aquariums showcases quirky marine creatures like garden eels and yellow boxfish. These additions contribute to the exhibition's somewhat chaotic but thoroughly entertaining nature.
Practical Information and Visitor Experience
Located at the Horniman Museum (100 London Rd, London SE23 3PQ), the exhibition is easily accessible via Forest Hill Overground station and multiple bus routes (176, 185, 197, 356, P4). Tickets are priced at £9.80 for adults and £7 for children, with daily openings at 10:00 AM throughout its run.
While adult visitors making repeat trips to the Horniman over the years might find some elements wearying, the target audience of young children will undoubtedly enjoy the experience. The exhibition successfully balances entertainment with subtle educational moments, asking the essential question: Will children learn anything? Possibly. Will they have fun? Absolutely!
The Horniman Museum continues to demonstrate its commitment to engaging younger audiences with exhibitions that prioritize interactive enjoyment over rigid educational structures. Voyage to the Deep represents a welcome departure from more generic offerings, providing a distinctive underwater adventure that captures the imagination while offering just enough substance to satisfy curious young minds.
