27 Feb - 16 May 2010

Prepare for lift off, Space Age: Exploration, Design and Popular Culture launches at South Shields Museum & Art Gallery on Saturday 27 February, and brings with it an entire cosmos of family fun.

Showcasing Mars meteorites, NASA space food and a cosmonaut suit alongside space age fashion, furniture and a whole generation of 50s-60s toys, the exhibition explores our fascination with space and its impact on popular culture.

Space Age charts the journey from the first astronomers of 2000BC to the space race and NASA's plans to land man on Mars. Or for those who prefer science fiction to science fact, there's a chance to delve into the world of fantasy with memorabilia from Star Wars, Star Trek and Doctor Who on display.

The exhibition is a must-see for all the family from those making their first big steps, to those who remember Neil Armstrong making his in 1969. A public launch party on Saturday 27 February will be a great opportunity to explore, with free activities for all the family and a whole galaxy of crafts to make and do.

The exhibition, on tour from the V&A Museum of Childhood, is open until 16 May 2010. South Shields Museum & Art Gallery is free to enter, and is open Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm. For more information call (0191) 456 8740.