70 Years of the Eurovision Song Contest at the National Science and Media Museum

About

The National Science and Media Museum has opened a new temporary exhibition, Setting the Stage: 70 Years of the Eurovision Song Contest, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the history, technology and innovation behind one of the world’s most recognisable live televised music events.

Exhibition: Setting the Stage: 70 Years of the Eurovision Song Contest
Dates: 15 May 2026 to February 2027
Location: Galleries 1 and 2, National Science and Media Museum
Admission: Included with free museum entry

Exploring 70 Years of Eurovision Innovation

The exhibition takes visitors behind the scenes of the Eurovision Song Contest, focusing on the technical developments and production techniques that helped transform the competition into a global entertainment phenomenon.

From early television broadcasting technology to modern staging, lighting and digital production methods, the exhibition highlights the innovations that have shaped the Contest over the past seven decades.

Visitors can engage with a range of interactive experiences throughout the exhibition, including:

A Nil Points Jukebox exploring Eurovision’s voting system
An interactive projection-mapped dress demonstrating the use of digital technology in live performances
A dedicated performance space where visitors can perform well-known Eurovision Song Contest songs

Historic Eurovision Objects on Display

The exhibition features a collection of objects connected to the technological and cultural history of the Eurovision Song Contest.

Highlights include:

A Marconi Mk III camera head, representing early television broadcast technology that supported international broadcasts
A Shure Duraplex headset, used to support high-energy live performances and choreography
Iconic costumes worn by presenters and performers
Fan-created memorabilia and Eurovision ephemera from across the global fan community

The exhibition also includes specially commissioned and archive video footage celebrating memorable moments from Eurovision history, alongside contributions from fans and broadcasting professionals connected to the Contest.

Interactive Experiences and Family Activities

Alongside the main exhibition, the National Science and Media Museum will host a programme of events exploring music, stagecraft, broadcasting and live performance.

The live programme includes:

Pop-up parties
Curator-led tours
Career-focused events exploring opportunities in broadcasting and live production
Family-friendly activities and workshops

The programme launches with a Big Family Party on Saturday 16 May, featuring live music, crafts, face painting, hands-on activities and a silent disco as part of the museum’s summer events schedule.