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ICE’s Time Is Running Out exhibition arrives at its final stop

Date
09 August 2024

Don’t miss the last opportunity to visit the ICE’s touring exhibition empowering young people to engineer a net zero world.

ICE’s Time Is Running Out exhibition arrives at its final stop
The last stop of the ICE's touring exhibition is the London Museum of Water and Steam

After a successful tour throughout the UK, the ICE’s Time Is Running Out (TIRO) exhibition has returned to London for its final outing.

Held at the historic London Museum of Water and Steam, the exhibition highlights the central role civil engineers play in tackling climate change.

The museum, which opened in 1975, is located in Brentford, on the site of the 19th-century Kew Bridge Waterworks.

It showcases the vital history of London's water supply and the steam engines that powered it.

The exhibition explores some important questions about the challenges we face
The exhibition explores some important questions about the challenges we face

Hannah Harte, museum director, said: “Based in a Georgian waterworks station, the London Museum of Water & Steam tells the remarkable story of London’s mission to get clean water to millions across the city.

“[It’s] a story that is increasingly relevant to today’s water challenges.”

Harte said the museum is “excited” to host the ICE’s pop-up exhibition alongside its historic stationary water pumping engines.

"This is a great opportunity to engage our visitors with how engineers past and present have overcome societal challenges in amazing, innovative ways, and to inspire the next generation of engineers in tackling the climate crisis,” she said.

A call to action for the next generation

Perfect for summer learning, families and children can explore the TIRO exhibition, which shows how engineers can help reach the UK's 2050 net zero target.

Katherine Etheridge, ICE regional director for London, South East and East of England, said: “Time Is Running Out is more than just an exhibition, it’s a call to action for the next generation.

“We are excited to offer an experience that not only sparks curiosity but also inspires young minds to envision and build a sustainable future.

“This exhibition is a fantastic opportunity for families to engage in meaningful conversations about the challenges and solutions in civil engineering.”

Help us engineer a net zero world

The Time is Running Out exhibition delves into the future of infrastructure.

It highlights innovative, sustainable solutions developed by civil engineers across key sectors such as transport, energy, and water.

Visitors will discover how engineering practices are addressing global challenges and shaping the built environment.

The exhibition aims to demonstrate the exciting possibilities within civil engineering for those passionate about the environment and technological innovation.

The ICE exhibition next to the historic stationary water pumping engines
The ICE exhibition next to the historic stationary water pumping engines

The exhibition centres around three illuminated pods, each showcasing unique aspects of civil engineering.

Six key questions are explored:

  • Why don't we value water?
  • What can we do to end waste?
  • Can we keep travelling?
  • Do we need smarter cities?
  • Where will our energy come from?
  • How do we live with flooding?

TV presenter Rob Bell addresses children's questions in a series of brief films featured in the pods, which also present award-winning engineering projects from across the UK.

UK tour comes to an end

The Time Is Running Out exhibition tour kicked off in 2023, with notable stops in Bristol, Newcastle, London, Glasgow, Birmingham, Belfast, Rotherham, Cardiff, and Macclesfield.

Since its launch, over three million visitors had the opportunity to explore it.

It inspired and educated young minds by offering engaging insights into the net zero challenge, and the opportunity that civil engineers have to address it.

To learn more about infrastructure, net zero, and pursuing a career in civil engineering, please visit the ICE website.

The exhibition is supported by Arup, Environment Agency, Graham, Jones Bros, Laing O’Rourke, National Highways, Network Rail and Tony Gee and Partners.

  • Roxana Hurjui, communications lead – London, South East & East of England at Institution of Civil Engineers