WORCESTER—The Worcester EcoTarium has been dusting off its finest china in anticipation of the arrival of Wallace, a cheese-loving inventor whose contraptions don’t always go as planned, and his loyal dog, Gromit. Beloved for their stop-motion world of inventions on screen, the duo has charmed audiences of all ages for decades. Now, kids will be able to step into their inventive world firsthand at “Wallace & Gromit: Get Cracking!,” a new exhibit set to open this fall.
On Saturday, Sept. 20, from 11:30 a.m. to noon, the EcoTarium opens up the show and welcomes the dynamic duo with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The exhibit, created by Minnesota Children’s Museum in partnership with Aardman, runs through Jan. 4, 2026
“Wallace & Gromit: Get Cracking!” gives kids 3-9 an opportunity to dig into hands-on activities that exhibit both Wallace’s intricate inventions that often go hilariously wrong, and Gromit’s ability to problem-solve and save the day.
Katie Chappell, deputy director of museum operations at the EcoTarium, explained the motivation behind bringing the exhibit to Worcester,
“At the EcoTarium, we believe that learning happens best through play and discovery,” Chappell told the Worcester Guardian. “‘Wallace & Gromit: Get Cracking!’ embodies that philosophy by combining storytelling with hands-on interactive STEM activities. The exhibit highlights the importance of creativity, design, and exploration, all values at the heart of our mission to inspire a lifelong passion for science and the natural world.”
The EcoTarium, known for its dedication to inspiring passion for science and nature through its interactive activities, has been serving children and families for nearly 200 years. This new exhibit, as Chappell explained, promotes their mission by “blending storytelling with STEM in a way that inspires a lifelong passion for science and the natural world.”
The iconic personalities of Wallace and Gromit first hit screens in 1989 with stop-motion short film “A Grand Day Out,” where Wallace builds a rocket all the way to the moon for one sole reason: to get cheese.
Originally a film school project by Nick Park, Wallace and Gromit took off exponentially, with two more films being released in the 1990s, both of which received an Oscar. Another full-length feature film was released in 2005, receiving the Academy Award for best animated feature. The two have since become household names, recognized by their British humor, unique inventions, and heartening problem-solving skills.
Chappell and the EcoTarium saw the opportunity for children to learn from the character’s skill sets. “This exhibit brings a beloved set of characters into our museum in a way that’s both playful and educational,” she said. “Wallace and Gromit’s world is full of imagination, invention, and problem-solving, which makes it a perfect fit for the EcoTarium. It’s a unique opportunity for families to step into the world of these iconic characters while engaging with STEM concepts in a hands-on way.”
Some of the activities that complement the new exhibit include blasting off in a rocket to the moon, launching porridge from a cannon, designing a contraption, and more.
Chappell’s personal favorite is the rocket-themed interactive. “It’s such a fun way for kids to start learning about space and rockets through this traveling exhibit,” she added. “What’s exciting is that their journey doesn’t end there—families can continue exploring right here at the EcoTarium in our planetarium or in our newest permanent exhibit, ‘Lift Off! Space Explorers.’ It’s a wonderful way to connect play with deeper learning.”
Although ‘Wallace & Gromit: Get Cracking!’ is designed for children ages 3-9, the EcoTarium offers an array of experiences that can be enjoyed by all ages.
While Wallace and Gromit began as just two silly yet resourceful characters, they have since evolved into an inspiring duo whose passion for inventing and determination to persist through seemingly impossible problems serves as a motivating example for a new generation of learners.
“We want kids to leave thinking like inventors, to be curious, creative, and ready to try, fail, and try again. Science and engineering should feel exciting and fun,” said Chappell.
The exhibit runs from Sept. 20, 2025 to Jan. 4, 2026. Tickets are available on the EcoTarium website.
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