I Grew Up 80s

Revisit the vibrancy and innovation that defined a decade!

Tickets cost £5 for adults, £3 for children or £14 for a family of up to five (maximum 2 adults)

Book 'I Grew Up 80s' Admission (opens new window)

The 1980s was a period in which British music achieved a level of worldwide success that it hadn’t since the height of The Beatles popularity in the 1960s.

10 singles that spent most weeks at No.1, 1980-1989

80s Britain also produced many quirkier artists, that may not necessarily have filled international stadiums but made an indelible impact on the music scene

The top 20 hits at the UK box office during the 1980’s were all US productions.

With 30 million consoles sold the Atari VCS could be considered the foundation upon which todays entire video games industry was built. It remains a design classic with rubber clad joysticks, red fire buttons, and iconic walnut trim.

BMX bikes (it stands for bicycle motocross) began to appear in Britain around 1980, and Raleigh the country’s top bike manufacturer released its first BMX the Raleigh Burner in 1982.

A playable arcade cabinet featuring a choice of over thirty classic games from the era. 50p to play!

A ‘Slush Puppie ’ maker in your own home was every 80s kids dream.

The poster art by Drew Struzan captures the motley recruits of Police Academy : lead character Mahoney, human beatbox Jones, gentle giant Hightower, squeaky voiced Hooks, and gun nut Tackleberry . Six further sequels followed.

Hoping to follow in the huge success of the Star Wars toy line, Tomy released this group of Tron action figures in ‘82. Despite ingeniously being cast in translucent plastic they weren’t big sellers and the line ended prematurely.

A fun and nostalgic showcase of memorabilia from the 'greatest decade in the history of history'!

'I Grew Up 80s' is your chance to relive the most iconic decade in style! Step into a world of cassette tapes, shellsuits, and leg warmers—when every kid's Christmas wish list included a Rubik's Cube and childhood was packed with bright colours, big dreams, and endless fun.

Celebrate the Decade of Change

From revolutionary leaps in science and technology to the rise of unforgettable fashion, entertainment, and pop culture, this exhibition dives into life before the internet. It's a shared snapshot of what childhood was like in the 1980s.

Explore Over 200 Treasured Memories

Take a walk down memory lane with cherished toys like Care Bears, My Little Pony, and Transformers, or revisit timeless album covers from Queen, George Michael, Phil Collins, and Kate Bush.

Interactive Fun for All Ages

Step into the 80s with our dress-up corner.
Test your trivia knowledge.
Play with classic toys that defined a generation.
Try your luck at a vintage Donkey Kong arcade game for just 50p per play!

Perfect for Families

Whether you're reminiscing about your own childhood or showing the kids how things were "back in the day," this exhibition promises fun for everyone.

Special Events!

1984, British Pop's Dividing Year: an evening talk. Thursday, 13 February at 6pm. Tickets £7.

Join author David Elliott as he delves into his book during this illustrated talk on 1984's seismic shifts in UK music, politics, and culture. Relive the icons, sounds, and legacy! Learn more at www.thenovium.org/whatson.