A world premiere exhibition, Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder: Where Science Meets Fiction will begin on 27 May at the World Museum in Liverpool.

The exhibit will explore the science behind the global hit series Doctor Who. From the show’s very beginning in 1963, science has played a part in the development of its key stories and characters. Now visitors can explore a variety of these science topics with original artefacts, sets monsters to costumes, props, taking them on a journey from the furthest stars to the depths of the ocean. Find out if time travel is actually possible, and delve into the TARDIS Tech Room to examine the technological capabilities of the Doctor’s gadgets and gizmos. Uncover the secrets of black holes and wormholes, consider the possibilities of life on other planets, and discover the science behind why the TARDIS is bigger on the inside. A visit to the Monster Vault is an opportunity to come face to face with many of the Doctor’s terrifying alien adversaries – and learn about their connections with real science.

The exhibition also explores life on Earth: how weird and wonderful nature has inspired ideas seen in Doctor Who, and how the natural world is often stranger than fiction. Science is rapidly advancing our understanding of the nature of the universe, and discovering more about ourselves and our precious Earth. But what might DNA manipulation, cloning and artificial intelligence mean for our future? Visitors can explore some of these scientific hot topics, all of which have featured in Doctor Who episodes.

Mark Gatiss – guest star and writer of several episodes of Doctor Who, will narrate the exhibition, guiding visitors through space and time.

“So many people who have gone on to work in science have had their interest piqued by watching Doctor Who, and one of the amazing things about the show is its ability to make us wonder. I’m thrilled to be part of the exhibition and I do hope as many curiously minded people as possible take the opportunity to visit.”

Zoë Wanamaker CBE will be reprising her Doctor Who, lending her voice to an exhibit all about her iconic character Lady Cassandra O’Brien – the last ‘pure’ human who became obsessed with a warped idea of perfection through surgery.

The World Museum tour of the exhibit will exclusively feature a Liverpool Connections area – delving deeper into the links between Doctor Who and the city of Liverpool. Visitors will discover more about the many Merseyside stars who have featured in Doctor Who – Tom Baker, Paul McGann, Elisabeth Sladen, John Bishop, Sir Ken Dodd OBE and more. The area will also explore the surprising tale of when the Beatles almost met the Daleks, and the story behind the “Mad Mole” of Edge Hill Joseph Williamson’s inclusion in Season 13 of the Doctor Who.

The Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder exhibit includes eight zones and is presented by Sarner International under license from BBC Studios.

Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder: Where Science Meets Fiction runs from 27 May to 30 October at the World Museum in Liverpool. Tickets to the exhibition are available now.