Words by Daisy Game
Want to meet Mary Shelley’s monster without having to a) travel back to 1800s Geneva or b) make a trip to the Arctic in a ship full of grumpy sailors? Well, you’re in luck!
Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein (MSHOF) is Bath’s newest museum attraction. With each room in the four story, Grade II listed property dressed to match the ghostly nature of Shelley’s story – think gothic portraits, blood stained walls and ripped curtains – the museum is as much an immersive experience as it is a place of education.
For any reluctant learner (the word ‘museum’ doesn’t always go down well with little ones) MSHOF is the perfect dupe. Because yes, it’s a museum – there is a lot to be learned about Shelley and her famous ghost story – but there are also plenty of dark corners to hide around, a spooky soundscape, and several interactive exhibits to be enjoyed. Particularly thrilling is Frankenstein’s lab, which contains several severed limbs – and the gruesome monster himself (all 8ft of him).
Taking your little one here is similar to smuggling kale into their macaroni cheese: health is disguised by dairy, education is disguised by monsters. (That being said, it is worth thinking about your child’s tolerance for the fright factor: MSHOF warns that parents and guardians should use good judgment as to whether their child is the type to enjoy dark and sometimes ominous environment – consider yourselves warned…)
Taking your little one here is similar to smuggling kale into their macaroni cheese: health is disguised by dairy, education is disguised by monsters
The attraction also runs themed events throughout the year. I celebrate Valentine’s day with one of the attraction’s ‘Nightmare Dates’, on which the dater spends a night wandering the museum (no Ben Stiller to be seen, sadly) encountering several lovesick characters along the way. Who wants a candlelit dinner with a handsome beau when you can have a candlelit fright from a favourite gothic monster?
This half term, the museum is also inviting you take part in the Great Escape Room Challenge: a puzzle based game in which players must work out how to free themselves from Victor’s terrifying lair. I’m tempted to give it a go – but then again, I’m still feeling a little jumpy from night of monstrous romance. So maybe next half term…
You can find out more about MSHOF on the attraction’s website: houseoffrankenstein.com
Also make sure to check out The Bath Magazine’s video of the museum by clicking here…
Image credit: Ben Hewitt