It’s almost time to step inside The Whoseum, an extraordinary Doctor Who exhibition that will celebrate over six decades of the iconic series, coming to Peterborough next week, with Two Doctors making a guest appearance at a special preview.
The upcoming exhibition at Queensgate Shopping Centre, opening 23rd November 2026, running into early 2027, offers fans the opportunity to explore an incredible collection of monsters, costumes, original props, and recreated sets that have captivated generations.
A special preview will be taking place on Saturday 21st November, coinciding with Peter Davison, the Fifth Doctor, and Paul McGann, the Eighth Doctor, making special appearances at the centre’s Christmas lights switch-on between 12 noon and 3.00pm.
(Peter and Paul will also, by the way, be two of the guests for Happy Who Year at Epsom Playhouse on 17th January 2027. Tickets are available now),
Designed by Derek Handley and and Phil Newman, along with Phil and Connor Hart, The Whomuseum is the brainchild of Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery in partnership with Rapido Trains.
The Whomuseum is being promoted with art by illustrator and comic artist Marin Baines that has a definite nod to the first Patrick Troughton story broadcast back in 1966, The Power of the Daleks.
This ticketed event offers a unique journey through time and space, showcasing legendary creatures like the Daleks and revealing the craftsmanship behind these beloved characters.
“After last year, people kept asking me how we could top what we had achieved at the museum,” notes Derek Handley. “I think we’ve found a way to do it.”
It’s worth noting that, initially, The Whoseum’s shopping centre location will be shared with the Calendar Club but then double in size when January arrives to create an even larger experience.
The expansion will introduce additional exhibition space, allowing even more monsters, props, costumes and recreated scenes to be showcased, giving fans another reason to return in the New Year.
Further supporting exhibitions are planned at Queensgate throughout 2027, so the Whoseum is set to become an exciting addition to Peterborough’s growing cultural and entertainment offering.
Whether you’re a lifelong Whovian or new to the universe, the organisers say The Whoseum promises an immersive experience full of nostalgia and wonder right in the heart of Peterborough.
The creation of The Whoseum follows the success of the fantastic Adventures in Time and Space exhibition that ran at Peterborough Museum between May and November last year, which was the museum’s most successful to date, designed by Derek Handley and partner, Michelle Carol Handley.
“I’m delighted that the monsters are coming back in force,” Sarah Wilson, Heritage Manager at Peterborough Museum commented, “thanks to our team from last year and Rapido Trains, and in such a spectacular way, with the inside of the TARDIS and a Dalek spaceship being brought back to life from long-lost Doctor Who episodes from 60 years ago. Only this time, you can see them for real!”
“For over 50 years, Doctor Who exhibitions have been a way for the fan community to engage with the original props and costumes of their favourite television programme,” notes Jason Shron, President of Rapido Trains. “I’m delighted that Rapido Trains has helped bring the Whoseum to life, including some of my own costumes made by the talented Rob Allsopp, who was a bona fide monster maker for Doctor Who.
“I hope that Whovians all over the UK and around the world will make the trip to Peterborough to take a walk through Doctor Who history.”
“You have to remember that a vast percentage of monster costumes were only made to last for the duration of filming, Tom Dexter, part of Film Peterborough, notes of the recreations included in the exhibition. “As soon as one story was completed, the production team were already working two stories ahead, and the conveyor belt of monsters was relentless!”
Catherine Lambert, Centre Director at Queensgate Shopping Centre, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome the Whoseum to Queensgate and to play a part in bringing such an iconic piece of British television history to the heart of Peterborough.
“Having Peter Davison and Paul McGann joining us for our Christmas Lights Switch On on 21st November is incredibly exciting, and we’re looking forward to welcoming fans and families to meet the Doctors and some familiar characters ahead of the exhibition’s official opening.”
• The Whoseum opens on 23rd November 2026 at 9.30am (GMT), running until end of December, Queensgate Shopping Centre, Unit 79, near JD Sports and New Look | Book your tickets here
• Further information and booking details will also be available through the Whoseum Facebook page at facebook.com/WHOSEUM or Instagram @WhoseumUK
• Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery
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John is the founder of downthetubes, launched in 1998. He is a comics and magazine editor, writer, and Press Officer for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He also runs Crucible Comic Press.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine and Overkill for Marvel UK, Babylon 5 Magazine, Star Trek Magazine, and its successor, Star Trek Explorer, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics; and has edited several comic collections and graphic novels, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”, and Hancock: The Lad Himself, by Stephen Walsh and Keith Page.
He’s the writer of comics such as Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs”, with Dave Hailwood.
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