By Kristen Nevarez Schweizer

February 28, 2025

San Diego is the first American city to open the highly anticipated Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder: Where Science Meets Fiction exhibit on March 15. As a long-time Whovian, I’m out-of-this-timeline excited that the immersive exhibit will land in San Diego’s Balboa Park Comic-Con Museum for a year-long stay.

Whether you’ve been a fan since the 1960s, joined at the 2005 Russel T. Davies reboot, newly discovered Who with Disney+, or get dragged along with a friend, this exhibit proves Doctor Who is more than a show—it’s a pop culture phenomenon. The rich history of quirky storytelling, deep and imaginative alien lore, and, of course, legendary Time Lord hero elevates this series to a place of impactful art. 

This exhibit celebrates the beloved sci-fi series in all its glory, offering a unique, multi-sensory experience where visitors can explore the science behind the fiction. It features iconic props, original sets, and behind-the-scenes materials that are sure to bring the magic of the show to life. And yes, fans of all ages will have the chance to come face to face with terrifying foes like Cybermen and (don’t blink!) Weeping Angels. With these events and interactive elements like the Monster Vault and a simulator that allows one to sound like a Dalek, there’s no shortage of delight in store.

Exhibit Curator Steven Swaby says, “[My] immediate starting point was to include the entire history of the show, not just the 21st-century version. This approach aims to appeal to as wide a fan base as possible (everyone has their favorite Doctor, after all!). But it also properly addresses the exhibition’s core theme: how science has been woven into the show’s fabric since its early days. When writing the exhibition, I felt it was also important to make it accessible and inclusive for a range of visitors, not just hardcore fans who know their Drashigs from their Drahvins.

The BBC and Sarner also agreed early on that we would periodically add new things to the exhibition to ensure the incumbent Doctor is included in some way, via new props, costumes, or clips from recent episodes. At each venue on the exhibition’s tour to date, there has been something new to see…and there is a lot to see! San Diego is no exception.”

Rita Vandergaw, the Executive Director of Comic-Con Museum, shares Swaby’s excitement and hints there will be never-before-seen updates and future surprises that may be revealed at WonderCon in late March. “We are approaching our fourth year, and we have had high-profile exhibits, including Spider-Man’s 60th Anniversary, but few characters match the international acclaim of Doctor Who. But beyond Doctor Who, we have so much to offer. It’s hard to come here and not have a good time. There is joy; you hear laughter and people talking and learning.”

She’s absolutely right—as Comic-Con Museum isn’t just about exhibits—it’s also about education and community. With over three floors to explore and 3,000 square feet dedicated to educational programs, the museum plays an essential role in entertaining tourists and locals in addition to reaching and inspiring young minds. Through field trips, classroom activities, and a partnership with PRICE (School in the Park), the museum serves over 9,000 students each year. The museum’s mission is to bring education to life through programs that tie into STEAM and STEM fields, allowing visitors to not only see but do. As Vandergaw notes, the museum is a place where visitors can immerse themselves in the experience, with hands-on activities that help bridge the gap between entertainment and education.

The Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder exhibit invites exploration into the realms of time travel, artificial intelligence, and DNA manipulation. In response, the museum will have special programs on the science of the show in collaboration with local scientists and Bio-Tech professionals.

Whether you’re a lifelong Whovian, a budding scientist, or even the reluctant spouse of a fan, Comic-Con Museum offers something for everyone. I recommend getting in soon before any spoilers hit the Internet and to catch Becoming Betty Boop, an exhibit celebrating the 100-year history of an iconic character — which closes on June 15th.

So — allons-y — grab your bowtie and sonic screwdriver, gather your friends and family, and head over to Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park. This exhibit is sure to leave you with a sense of wonder that spans across time and space.

Tickets are now available at comic-con.org/museum