‘Mini museum hunt: 50 years of Aardman’ lands at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

A little bit of Aardman magic has arrived at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery this week, as the first set of tiny treasures from the beloved animation studio have been hidden around the museum for visitors to discover. 

‘Mini museum hunt: 50 years of Aardman’ officially launches a special collaboration between Bristol Museums and multi award-winning animation studio Aardman celebrating Aardman’s 50th anniversary in Bristol.   

From Friday 13 February, families and curious explorers of all ages can pick up a free detective map from Bristol Museum & Art Gallery to help them track down and tick off all the secret treasures.  

Objects waiting to be found include:

• A sea monster skeleton
• A puppet from the production of Chicken Run 
• An Aardman-style reinterpretation of Edvard Munch’s The Scream
• A selection of unique props used in the making of Aardman’s iconic films 

More Aardman artefacts will be added to the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery ‘Mini museum hunt: 50 years of Aardman’ throughout the year.  

Philip Walker, Head of Culture and Creative Industries at Bristol City Council said: “We’re thrilled to be launching our collaboration with Aardman by sharing the first of many playful surprises with our visitors as part of the ‘mini museum hunt’.  

“Bringing something free, fun and uniquely Bristol to families in time for half term feels like the perfect way to start celebrating Aardman’s 50 years in the city. We can’t wait to welcome everyone into Bristol Museum & Art Gallery to enjoy finding those hidden treasures.” 

Ngaio Harding-Hill, Director of Attractions & Live Experiences and Archive at Aardman said: “The mini museum hunt is a brilliant way to kick off our 50th anniversary celebrations in Bristol. It captures the playful spirit at the heart of Aardman and gives families a fun, free way to explore the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. We’re delighted to launch this first experience before launching our exhibition with M Shed later in the year" 

Part of our anniversary collaboration and one of the most anticipated cultural events of the year, “Cracking Exhibition Gromit: 50 Years of Aardman in Bristol” will open at M Shed on 20 June 2026.  

This exhibition will offer fans of all ages a behind-the-scenes look at Aardman’s creative process, iconic characters, and the studio’s deep-rooted connection to Bristol. As a joyful and nostalgic celebration, it will honour Aardman’s extraordinary legacy, from its humble beginnings in Bristol to becoming a global creative powerhouse.  

Pre-sale for June and July tickets for “Cracking Exhibition Gromit: 50 Years of Aardman in Bristol” are available to buy from 9am Friday 13 February on the Bristol Museums website.

 “Cracking Exhibition Gromit: 50 Years of Aardman in Bristol” is proudly sponsored by Bristol and South Gloucestershire based law firm, Barcan+Kirby.