Discover the art of Sci-Fi special effects with original models and props used in classic British TV shows including Doctor Who, Red Dwarf and The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
Science fiction programmes have captivated children on TV screens across the country for generations. Featuring spaceships, aliens, robots and all manner of intergalactic creatures, they have fed their imaginations and transported them to distant worlds.
Now on 24 May 2025, Discover Bucks Museum is excited to launch a major new exhibition ‘Beyond the Stars: a propmaker’s guide to the galaxy’ which showcases original models and props used in the making of the most iconic science fiction shows to appear on British TV, including Doctor Who, Red Dwarf and The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.
Visitors can journey through the realms of time and space and get up-close to the props and models that helped bring these beloved series to life. All the exhibits on display are screen-used and some have never been on public display before.
Highlights of the exhibition Include:
- Imperial and Supreme Daleks from Doctor Who
- Marvin the Paranoid Android from the original 1981 BBC production of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
- Starbug model spacecraft used in series 3 of the cult classic Red Dwarf
Also, featured are designs and behind-the-scenes materials that give an insight into the craftsmanship and imagination of the special effects artists who transport us to these alien worlds.
With captivating exhibits and fun activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy from families to long-time fans of the shows.
The exhibition runs from 24 May to 5 October 2025.
BUY TICKETS
Beyond the Stars Events
Creating Distant Worlds: the art of special effects
Saturday 12 July, 2pm – 3pm
A unique opportunity to hear how special effects were created for classic BBC sci-fi shows including Doctor Who, Red Dwarf and Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. BAFTA award-winning Visual Effects Designer Mike Tucker will share fascinating stories from his career working on these iconic shows and reveal intriguing insights into how special effects transport us to these alien worlds.
£10 includes entry to museum and Beyond the Stars exhibition.
This talk will be repeated on Saturday 13 September, 2pm – 3pm.
Book Now
Day of the Doctors
Saturday 19 July, 11am – 3pm (parade at 2pm)
We’re calling all Sci Fi fans and cosplayers to come dressed up as different incarnations of TV’s Doctor Who! Can we get all 15 in one-time and place?
🌌 FREE entry to our Beyond the Stars exhibition for anyone in Doctor Who/ Sci-Fi cosplay!
Discover More
Creating Distant Worlds: the art of special effects
Saturday 13 September, 2pm – 3pm
A unique opportunity to hear how special effects were created for classic BBC sci-fi shows including Doctor Who, Red Dwarf and Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. BAFTA award-winning Visual Effects Designer Mike Tucker will share fascinating stories from his career working on these iconic shows and reveal intriguing insights into how special effects transport us to these alien worlds.
£10 includes entry to museum and Beyond the Stars exhibition.
Book Now
Sci-Fi Quiz
Saturday 20 September 7pm – 10pm
Back by popular demand (with obviously new questions!) Grab your friends and come and test your Sci-Fi Film and Television knowledge in our quiz covering…. Famous Shows such as Star Trek, Doctor Who and Red Dwarf Plus Movies, Kids Sci-Fi and fantasy shows.
£5
