A new exhibition at a Chichester museum is inviting people to travel back to the 1980s.
he Novium Museum’s newest exhibition, I Grew Up 80s, launches this weekend in Chichester.
The exhibition opens with an exciting A Celebration of the 80s event on Saturday, offering a day full of free, family-friendly activities to kick off the nostalgic journey.
Visitors to the opening day can take part in free activities, such as glitter face painting, a classic 1980s dance workout, and friendship bracelet making.
They will also have the chance to meet some iconic 1980s characters before visiting the exhibition (normal exhibition admission fee applies).
I Grew Up 80s offers a vivid trip down memory lane, bringing what the museum calls “the greatest decade in the history of history” to life.
Featuring over 200 items of memorabilia, the exhibition captures childhood experiences of the 1980s, when music came on cassettes, shellsuits and leg warmers were must-haves, and Rubik’s Cubes were found under every Christmas tree.
From iconic toys like Care Bears, My Little Pony, and Transformers, to album covers of timeless musicians like Queen and George Michael, the exhibition is a celebration of the decade’s youthful exuberance.
Visitors can also test their skills on a vintage Donkey Kong arcade game for just 50p per play.
Councillor John Cross, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Place at Chichester District Council, says: “We’re thrilled to host this exciting exhibition at The Novium Museum.
“The opening day will be a fantastic celebration of the 1980s, and we hope people will dig out their shellsuits and join us for what promises to be a day of fun and nostalgia for the whole family.”
The activities will run all day on Saturday. Booking is recommended for the 1980s dance workout – click here to book.
All other activities are drop in and are subject to availability.
The exhibition runs until Saturday, 8 June 2025. Tickets cost £5 for adults, £3 for children or £14 for a family of up to five (maximum 2 adults).
To tie in with the exhibition, Chichester District Council has organised an 80s themed silent disco on Thursday, 12 December in Priory Park’s Guildhall in Chichester, as part of a packed programme of Christmas events and activities.
The silent disco will take place from 8.30pm until 10pm and tickets cost £7.50. Tickets for all of the Guildhall Christmas events can be booked online here.
The following day (Friday, 13 December), Dawn Gracie will be hosting a Retro 80s Bingo night at The Novium Museum.
Dawn will take visitors through the timeless game with the addition of themed quizzes and games. Expect throwback 80s tunes and fun prizes!
Tickets cost £16.50 per person, and advanced booking is essential – click here to book.
