I visited the Young V&A’s Wallace & Gromit exhibition – here are 15 photos that show why it’s the best £12.50 you’ll spend in London this year
The exhibition, titled “Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends,” is currently running at the Young V&A in Bethnal Green, London, through 15 November 15 2026.
Tickets cost £12.50 for adults and children aged 4+, making it an affordable outing amid London’s pricier attractions.
I visited on Mother’s Day (15 March), when the main areas of the Young V&A were bustling with families celebrating the holiday – kids running around the interactive zones, parents juggling coats and snacks.
Yet stepping into the Wallace & Gromit exhibition felt like entering a quieter, more intimate space. It’s tucked away on the top floor, which gives it a surprisingly low-key vibe compared to the lively crowds below.
The signage and explanations are geared toward children, with simple language breaking down stop-motion techniques and the filmmaking process.
But the crowd skewed heavily toward grown adults – nostalgic millennials and Gen Xers who grew up quoting “A Grand Day Out” or laughing at Shaun the Sheep antics. I spotted very few actual kids in there at times; it was mostly adults geeking out over the details.
Aardman has clearly poured tremendous care into showcasing its history.
While Wallace and Gromit take centre stage – with classic kitchen sets, the iconic rocket from the first short, and plenty of cheese-loving inventor gadgets – the exhibition smartly includes fan favourites from across the studio’s catalogue.
You’ll find characters and elements from Chicken Run, The Croods, The Pirates! Band of Misfits, and of course, Shaun the Sheep.
It’s impressive how much they’ve packed into a relatively small space: over 150 original items, including early sketches, concept art, puppets, props, storyboards, and scripts.
The exhibition goes out of its way to credit everyone involved in the creative process – not just the directors and voice actors, but concept artists, animators, producers, sound designers, editors, and the behind-the-scenes teams who make the magic happen.
Standout moments include several impressive dioramas and set pieces. There’s a massive pirate ship that feels almost life-size, towering over visitors, an enormous elephant prop that captures the whimsy of Aardman’s worlds, and recreated scenes from fan-favourite moments that had people lingering and snapping photos.
Interactivity is a big part of the appeal – hands-on stations let you experiment with stop-motion basics, manipulate simple puppets, or try animating your own characters.
Honestly, the biggest kid in the room was me: a 30-something writer who spent way too long staring at Gromit’s expressive eyebrows and reliving childhood memories of Wallace’s inventions inevitably going wrong.
The exhibition wraps up with a heartfelt video montage highlighting decades of work, from humble beginnings to global hits, which left me a bit misty-eyed.
Then comes the inevitable (and excellent) gift shop stocked with plush toys, mugs, books, and all sorts of merch that tempted even the most restrained budgets.
If you’re in London and looking for something joyful, nostalgic, and surprisingly moving for just £12.50, this is it.
Advance booking is recommended, especially on busy days like holidays, but it’s well worth the trip to the Young V&A.
