Young V&A in East London has announced a new exhibition, created primarily for children and families, which invites visitors to explore the world of Aardman – creators of Wallace & Gromit, Chicken Run, Shaun the Sheep, Morph and more – and to find out how some of the most well-known and best-loved characters of all time were made.

Wallace & Gromit outside Young V&A, Bethnal Green, London. Photo by David Parry for the V&A.

Opening on 12 February 2026 to coincide with Aardman studio's 50th anniversary year, and running until 15 November 2026, Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends explores the storytelling and craft that brings their familiar and fantastical worlds from the sketchbook to the screen. The exhibition takes visitors behind the scenes of the animation process, from idea development and storyboarding to model making, filming and production, and post-production.

Over 150 items will be on show, including Aardman's early character sketches, concept art, puppets, character ‘bibles’, props, scripts, set models, as well as several optical illusion toys and early examples of stop-motion animation from the V&A’s collection.

Award-winning animator and director at Aardman, Will Becher, adjusts Wallace & Gromit on their visit to Young V&A, Bethnal Green, London. Photo by David Parry for the V&A.

Young V&A is a place for young people to imagine, play and design, and get inspired by a collection of nearly 2,000 toys, characters, objects and artworks from around the world and throughout history.

Aardman is an independent, multi-Academy Award® and BAFTA® award winning studio based in Bristol in the UK, which produces feature films, TV series, advertising and interactive entertainment.

Wallace and Gromit chasing criminal mastermind Feathers McGraw in Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers (1993) © and TM Aardman Animations LTD / Wallace & Gromit LTD.

Highlights of Inside Aardman include development sketches for Morph, early character ideas for Wallace & Gromit, a hand-drawn storyboard from The Wrong Trousers (1993) train chase, as well as never before displayed objects such as the duo’s motorbike and sidecar from Vengeance Most Fowl (2024) and Aardman’s final physical scheduling board.

The exhibition features set pieces from Aardman’s incredible body of work, including Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (2024), Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (2023), Robin Robin (2019), The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists! (2012) and Wallace & Gromit: A Grand Day Out (1989).

Wallace and Gromit in Wallace & Gromit: A Grand Day Out (1989) © and TM Aardman Animations LTD/Wallace & Gromit LTD.

Inside Aardman will give young visitors the opportunity to try their hand at different parts of stop-motion animation, guiding them on how to make their own at home using everyday materials and inspiration. Whether their characters are sailing on the high seas, adventuring to the moon, or escaping the chicken coop, Aardman have always drawn from the world around them when building new ones.

While journeying through the exhibition, visitors will be able to explore storyboarding, design characters, light sets, create Live Action Videos, touch samples of different puppet materials, and watch a selection of animations made by children.

The Flying Machine, original model from Chicken Run (2000) © and TM Dreamworks/Universal Licensing LLC.

Alex Newson, Chief Curator, Young V&A, said: “Aardman quite literally began on the kitchen table, when two young school friends started experimenting with animations at home. Even though Aardman is now one of the most successful animation studios in the world, its films still have the same handcrafted feel.“

Ngaio Harding-Hill, Head of Live Attractions and Live Experiences at Aardman, added: “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.”

Production still from Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (2024). Photo by Richard Davies. © and TM Aardman Animations LTD/Wallace & Gromit LTD.

2026 sees Aardman celebrate its 50th anniversary with a roster of events and celebrations highlighting the craft and legacy of the studio, including the launch of a new movie, Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom in the autumn.

If you or your group would like to enjoy a visit to Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends on a tailor-made tour of London or England, please do contact our friendly team today.