London's Young V&A museum has announced an exciting new exhibition for 2026 that will celebrate one of Britain's most beloved animation studios. 'Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends' will open on February 26, 2026, marking the museum's third major exhibition since its transformation.
From Ancient Egypt to Claymation Wonders
The Young V&A's previous exhibitions have taken visitors on journeys to ancient civilizations and distant cultures. Their first show explored Japanese iconography in 'Japan: Myths to Manga', while the recent 'Making Egypt' delved into Ancient Egyptian history. Now, the museum turns its attention to something much closer to home - the world-famous Bristol-based animation studio Aardman.
This special exhibition coincides with Aardman's 50th anniversary celebrations, making 2026 a landmark year for the studio behind some of Britain's most cherished animated characters.
What Visitors Can Expect
The exhibition promises to be a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at Aardman's magical world of stop motion animation. Visitors will encounter over 150 items from the studio's archives, including original puppets, early character sketches, and historical examples of stop motion animation from the V&A's own collections.
Fans will be delighted to see not just Wallace and his faithful dog Gromit, but also Shaun the Sheep, characters from Chicken Run, and even Morph - the simple clay figure who first appeared on television screens in the 1970s.
Interactive Fun for Young Creators
Perhaps the most exciting aspect for younger visitors will be the interactive elements that demonstrate how Aardman films are created. Children aged eight to fourteen - the exhibition's target audience - will have opportunities to try their hand at storyboarding, designing characters, experimenting with set lighting, and creating their own live action videos.
While suitable for all ages, the exhibition has been specifically designed to engage children and young people in the creative process behind animation.
The exhibition runs from February 26 to November 15, 2026, giving families plenty of time to visit. Tickets cost £11, and as with all Young V&A temporary exhibitions, this price includes unlimited reentry throughout the entire run of the show.
