Cracking news, Gromit! Young V&A has announced its newest exhibition showcasing the work of legendary animation house, Aardman.
Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends will bring a little slice of West Wallaby Street to the Bethnal Green gallery. Fans will also get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Chicken Run, Shaun the Sheep, Morph and many more films and TV shows made by the studio.
The exhibition opens on 12 February 2026 to coincide with Aardman’s 50th anniversary.
More than 150 items from multiple film and TV series will be on display, from early character sketches and concept art to props, set models and early stop-motion animation taken from the V&A’s collection. Some pieces, including Wallace and Gromit’s side car from Vengeance Most Fowl (2024), have never been displayed before.
Visitors can even try their hand at stop-motion animation and will hopefully leave with skills they can use at home to create their very own Aardman-inspired films.
Ngaio Harding-Hill, Head of Live Attractions and Live Experiences at Aardman, said: “As Aardman celebrates its 50th anniversary, Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends offers a wonderful opportunity to shine a light on the creativity and craftsmanship behind the animation process – from initial sketch through to post-production.
“We hope that through this exhibition, the joy and wonder of our craft will inspire the next generation of storytellers, directors, model-makers and animators.”
Young V&A’s Chief Curator, Alex Newson, added: “Aardman quite literally began on the kitchen table, when two young school friends started experimenting with animations at home.
“While Aardman’s films are now made by large and highly skilled teams it’s also possible for anyone to have a go at making their own stop motion films at home with minimal equipment and experience.”
The exhibition is open to all ages, featuring activities designed to be fun for the whole family - with particular emphasis on children aged eight to 14.
Inside Aardman is Young V&A’s third exhibition since it opened in July 2023.
Dr Helen Charman, Director of Learning, National Programmes and Young V&A, said: “We are delighted to be announcing Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends, our third exhibition at Young V&A, designed and curated specifically for children and young people.
“By unpacking the techniques and imagination that goes into creating these beloved characters, we hope young people and their families leave the exhibition feeling excited and inspired to try animation at home.”
Inside Aardman opens on 12 December 2026 and runs until 15 November 2026. Tickets are on sale from 25 November 2025.
An exhibition pass costs £11 and allows for repeat visits. Under 5s go free and other concessions are available. V&A members go free. Find out more here.
