Magical new fairytale-inspired family exhibition to bloom at Leeds' Thackray Museum

The Thackray Museum of Medicine has announced a major new summer exhibition that is set to transform the venue into a fairytale-like landscape with Where The Magic Grows.

Developed in a unique partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and a team of five young local curators aged 18 to 22, the interactive display blends science and storytelling through a vibrant, multisensory concept.

Moving away from traditional, text-heavy museum displays, the gallery will be transformed into a whimsical, oversized garden designed to prioritise play, wonder, and hands-on discovery for families.

Drawing from centuries of history, the exhibition explores how the natural world has continuously supported human wellbeing, linking ancient folklore to modern-day pharmaceuticals.

The exhibition marks the Thackray’s first-ever fully co-produced display, with the five young curators embedding their own creative direction and concepts into the project from start to finish.

Working alongside Dales-based artist Helen Brook, the team has used an ecological and sustainable approach to translate their sketches into massive art installations.

Jack Gann, curator at the Thackray Museum of Medicine, said: "We have worked with young people with big imaginations to create something really special that speaks to visitors of all ages. Families can expect to step into a whimsical landscape, where a larger‑than‑life garden of plants, folklore and healing will come alive through play, imagination and discovery.

"Working alongside Thackray and RHS teams, they have created an exhibition that’s playful, accessible and combines hands-on experiences such as potion making with beautiful design to spark curiosity."

The young curators expressed their excitement about seeing their hard work come to life in the community.

Michael Geary, a 22-year-old illustration student involved in the project, said: "It's been so much fun seeing Where Magic Grows come to life from all our ideas and sketches. It's been such an awesome experience and I've learnt so much from the team at Thackray."

Fellow curator George Verdeyen, 21, added: "The creative freedom and opportunity they've given us young creatives is absolutely incredible. I look forward massively to seeing all our hard work come to life and be able to share our love for plants and medicine with the community."

Fiona Davison, RHS Head of Libraries and Collections, said: "Plants are full of magic, from centuries‑old healing traditions to the folklore of creatures hidden in the undergrowth. Drawing from the RHS' historic collections, we’re delighted to partner with Thackray and the young curators on an exhibition that invites families to rediscover the wonder of the natural world."

To run alongside the main exhibition, the Thackray will host a packed itinerary of summer holiday activities, including live science shows, seed-bomb making, and interactive potion-making stations.

The new Where Magic Grows exhibition will run at the Thackray Museum of Medicine on Beckett Street in Leeds from July 18 to January 3, 2027. Entry to the entire display is fully included with a standard museum ticket as part of the Thackray’s accessible ticket scheme.