Landing at the StoryMuseum, Here Be Dragons is the venue's latest temporary exhibition to take up residence. The fifth such exhibition, it explores the titular creatures across literature and folklore, all co-curated by author Cressida Cowell, the author behind the hugely popular How to Train Your Dragon. And it’s pleasing to see the Story Museum have another cracking exhibition on their hands.

This exhibition feels particularly well-timed. It’s never not a good time to explore the representation of dragons across cultures but with the success of the likes of Game of Thrones (and its current prequel series) and Cressida’s own series, the Story Museum are on to something. Plus Dungeons & Dragons continues to tower over popular culture (there will be a Museum Late night themed around this game). And Oxford was, of course home to Tolkien at one point, creator of Smaug, one of the great dragons.

What is particularly admirable is the love, care and knowledge that has gone into Here Be Dragons. There are over 50 dragons on display in some form, with artefacts and fossils borrowed from individuals and museums helping to bring out different cultural representation of the big beasties. There are beautiful renderings of dragons on the wall, hidden in nooks and crannies and within boxes we can peak into. A highlight is 5 resplendent creatures dotted around the room, built from paper mache, wire and recycled items.

Though rich in detail and information (I particularly enjoyed the stories of dragons from across the globe), Here Be Dragons truly comes alive when younger participants get involved with it. During our preview session members of the public began to be let in, meaning we could see the exhibition as it was intended for. Everything is interactive here, with dress up, an origami station, books to be read and other activities drawing in visitors, old and young alike. I particularly enjoyed using a foot pump to make a small dragon fly up into the sky. There’s even a space in the middle of the room kept free with bean bags, a perfect space to read a story or take a moment to relax. The exhibition uses sights, sounds and smells to enhance the stories being highlighted and it makes the space all the richer for it.

As the room filled with laughter, it became apparent this exhibition brings a much-needed commodity to this space at the Story Museum – joy. Grounding everything around the How to Train Your Dragon series feels smart, as it is a beautiful work, beloved by many, that makes this approachable and also, crucially, able to focus on the lighter side of dragons. Here Be Dragons never feels heavy or overwhelmed by its desire to tell us every fact about dragons. Instead there is a lightness of touch, perfectly judged for the intended audience. There is breadth here but only as much as the visitor themselves seeks out. You can pop into this room, take in a handful of artefacts, play dress up, draw a picture of a dragon, and be on your way. Or you can get down on your knees, lift up curtains and peek in hidden spaces. Like a good story there are levels to this exhibition, and it is one that rewards at each level you choose to explore.

Here Be Dragons is in residence at the Story Museum until next July and there’s hopes it can travel on to other venues. It’s a rich, joyful experience, one that reasserts what an asset The Story Museum is. Grab some younglings and head on down. You won’t regret it!