The following table contains a list of science centres,
with summaries of what they do, the themes that they cover, some
basic information about them, including their size, when they
opened and their web addresses, and whether they received Millennium
Commission funding and whether they are a members of Ecsite-uk.
The information was taken mainly from Ecsite-uk's website: www.ecsite-uk.net.
| Name |
Summary |
Themes |
Type |
Ecsite-uk member |
Millennium funded |
Website |
| All Hands and The Bridge Interactive Galleries
| Home of the Prime Meridian of the World, The National Maritime Museum tells the story of Britain and the sea, and the importance of the oceans in our lives. The interactive galleries are themed around the lives of seafarers and the skills and technologies they used.
| All Hands Gallery: life at sea
The Bridge: skills and technologies used at sea
| Museum
16 galleries/exhibits
Exhibition area: 1600 m2
Size: M
Opened: 1995 and 2005 |
√ |
| www.nmm.ac.uk
|
| Almond Valley Heritage Centre
| An independent museum on a 16-acre site including the Scottish shale oil museum, Livingston Mill Farm, the Almond Valley Light Railway and other attractions.
| Industrial heritage
Farming
Ecology
| Size: M |
| | www.almondvalley.co.uk
|
| Armagh Planetarium |
Re-opens July 31st 2006. Planetarium and Ireland's leading centre for astronomy and space science education. They provide a wealth of fun astronomy related activities such as rocket launching and the portable 'Stardome Planetarium'.
| Space | Science Centre
10 exhibits
Size: S
Opened: 1968
| √ |
| www.armaghplanet.com |
| B.U.G.S. at London Zoo |
B.U.G.S. (Biodiversity Underpinning Global Survival) is a museum-style exhibition that displays live animals to tell the story of biodiversity, its origins, the threats to its survival and its conservation.
| Biodiversity
Conservation
Invertebrates
| Discovery Centre
Over 140 exhibits
Size: M
Opened: 2000
| | √
| www.londonzoo.co.uk |
| Benjamin Franklin House
| Museum based in conserved house once occupied by Benjamin Franklin includes a hands-on student science centre.
| | Other centre
Size: S
Opened: Jan 2005
| | | www.thersa.org/franklin
|
| Bletchley Park | Bletchley Park was home to the famous WW2 codebreakers and the birthplace of modern computing. It is now open for school and public visits and runs special science, technology and maths education events.
| Maths
Science
Technology
Computing
Communications
Code Breaking
| Museum
1000+ exhibits
Exhibition area: 4,000 m2
Size: M
| | | www.bletchleypark.org.uk
|
| Bolton TIC | The UK's first junior incubator. Young people innovate in a purpose-designed centre using equipment and expertise beyond the reach of schools.
| Space and rocketry
Science and art
Innovation and engineering
| Other centre | Recently applied
| | www.uktic.org
|
| Brocks Hill Environment Centre and Country Park
| Building constructed to demonstrate sustainable construction, being autonomous in energy and water use. Also exhibition hall, cafe, play area and walks in parkland.
| Energy
Energy conservation
| Other centre
Variable number of exhibits
Size: S
Opened: 2001
| | √
| www.brockshill.co.uk |
| The Building Exploratory
| The Building Exploratory is an interactive centre which explains building, construction, design, planning, housing history and management.
| Building | Other centre
Exhibition area: 250 m2 Size: S
Opened: 1997
| | | www.buildingexploratory.org.uk
|
| Catalyst | Catalyst looks at chemistry and industry in 3 interactive galleries. Scientific—chemicals and their uses. Birth of an Industry—history of the chemical industry. EcoQuest—the environment. Catalyst also has a public interactive science theatre and a school science laboratory.
| Chemistry
Industry
| Science Centre
100 exhibits
Exhibition area: 1000 m2 Size: M
Opened: 1989
| √ | √
| www.catalyst.org.uk |
| Centre for Alternative Technology
| CAT aims to inspire, inform and enable people to explore more sustainable ways of living. CAT also runs practical residential courses all year round, hosts school visits and provides a free information service.
| Sustainable living
Alternative technology
Organic gardening
| Other centre
Size: M
| √ | √
| www.cat.org.uk
|
| Centre For Life | The Centre for Life is a vibrant and exciting place where science is explored and debated. From exciting hands-on exhibits, family activities to lively lectures and serious debates on contemporary science issues, Life offers something for all ages and interests. As a regional focus for science communication, the Centre encourages curiosity about science by questioning and uncovering new things about life and the world around us.
| Life sciences | Science Centre
50+ exhibits
Size: L
Opened: 2000
| √ | √
| www.life.org.uk
|
| The Centre of the Cell |
Opens March 2008, website launched March 2007. Centre of the Cell is a unique interactive multimedia experience embedded within a working research laboratory. The central themes are cell biology, disease and biomedical research.
| Cells
Biology
| Discovery Centre
Size: S
Opened: 2008
| √ |
| www.centreofthecell.org
|
| Ceramica | Ceramica is an exploration and a celebration of the World-famous pottery industry of Stoke-on-Trent; a chance to learn about its past, discover the present and get a glimpse of its future.
| Pottery | Other centre
Size: S
| | √
| www.ceramicauk.com |
| Chester Zoo | Chester Zoo has a mission to save wildlife and habitats from extinction. This crucial goal is pursued through programmes in conservation, education and scientific study.
| Animals
Plants
Conservation
| Animals/Plants. Over 7,000 animals and 300 species exhibits. Exhibition area: 110 acres m2. Size: L. Opened: 1930.
| | | www.chesterzoo.org
|
| Clore Natural History Centre at WML
| One of the attractions at World Museum Liverpool. Touch a hippopotamus skull, examine an exotic tropical butterfly or hold a mammoth tooth. The centre is packed full of mounted and preserved specimens of all types of animals from around the globe. There are also rocks, minerals, fossils and plants to see.
| Natural History | Discovery Centre
20,000+ exhibits
Exhibition area: 120 m2
Size: M
Opened: 1989
| √ |
| www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/
wml/naturalworld/nhc |
| Conkers | A 120-acre attraction in The National Forest. Indoor exhibits and outdoor experiences, assault course and playpark, Artscape sculpture trail, water play area and Forest Garden. Woodland and wetland walks, tree canopy walkway and bird hide.
| National Forest
British wildlife
| Animals/Plants
100+ exhibits
Size: L
Opened: Apr-01
| | √
| www.visitconkers.com |
| The Deep Millenium Project
| Taking the theme of the world's oceans, The Deep tells the story of the oceans from the beginning of time to present day and into the future.
| Oceans | Other centre
Size: L
Opened: Mar 2002
| √ | √
| www.thedeep.co.uk |
| DIG | DIG is a new interactive archaeology attraction. Visitors will have the chance to dig for real objects from four of York's most important historical sites. DIG is about people having a go at archaeology themselves.
| Archaeology | Other centre
Size: S
Opened: ARC 1989; DIG 2006
| | | www.digyork.co.uk
|
| Discover | At Discover visitors can climb aboard the Lollipopter, cross a sparkly river over a rickety-rackety bridge, explore the Secret Cave, dress up, go to a party, and make puppets.
| Stories & story-building Words
Language
Imagination
| Children's Museum
18 exhibits
Exhibition area: 500 m2
Size: S
Opened: Jun 2003
| | | www.discover.org.uk
|
| Discovery | Discovery is a hands-on science centre for all ages.
| Science | Science Centre
60+ exhibits
Exhibition area: 220 m2
Size: M
| | | www.discoverdiscovery.co.uk
|
| Discovery Centre, Brooklands Museum
| Hands-on Science Centre for children.
| Science | Discovery Centre
Size: S
| | | www.brooklandsmuseum.com
|
| Discovery Museum | Discovery is the largest free museum experience in the North East. Full of displays and interactives that bring science, technology and history to life.
| Science
History
Fashion
Military
Maritime
| Museum
60+ exhibits
Size: L
| √ | √
| www.twmuseums.org.uk/discovery
|
| ECOS—Millennium Environmental Centre
| The ECOS centre is set in a developing country park. Discover what the key issues are, how problems can be tackled and experience wildlife at first hand in their natural habitat.
| Energy
Environment
| Other centre
Size: S
Opened: Aug 2000
| | √
| www.ecoscentre.com |
| The Eden Project | Eden explores the relationship between people, plants and natural resources. In a worked-out china clay pit up to 55 metre high covered biomes have been built exhibiting plants from two climates: the rainforest and the warm temperate/Mediterranean together with outdoor displays from the cool temperate zones including UK.
| Plants
Experiential learning
| Animals/Plants
Exhibition area: 125,000 m2
Size: L
Opened: Mar 2001
| √ | √
| www.edenproject.com |
| Edinburgh International Science Festival
| The Edinburgh International Science Festival is Europe's largest public celebration of science and technology with around 180 workshops, shows, exhibitions, tours, talks and hands-on activities for young and old. It attracts around 120,000 visits over 11 days at Easter-time.
| Science and technology
| Travelling or Festival
Approx. 180 exhibits
Size: L
Opened: 1989
| √ |
| www.sciencefestival.co.uk
|
| Elsecar Heritage Centre
| The Elsecar Heritage Centre is an Antique, History & Craft Centre. The Living History Centre is a hand-on history based exhibition.
| Heritage
Crafts
Antiques
| Other Centre
20 exhibits
Exhibition area: 1440 m2
Size: L
Opened: 1994
| | | www.barnsley.gov.uk
|
| The Engine House Project
| The Engine House Project runs a variety of half day science sessions at Sandford Mill for Key Stage 1 and 2. Sessions include forces, materials, sound, light and electricity. Outreach to schools in winter.
| Forces
Materials
Sound
Light
Electricity
| Museum
Size: S
| √ |
| www.chelmsfordbc.gov.uk/enginehs
|
| Enginuity | Enginuity's aim is to interpret how design and technology are combined to produce useful things. This is achieved through an exciting combination of interactive exhibits, real objects and design, and making activities.
| Design and technology |
23 exhibits | √
| | www.ironbridge.org.uk
|
| Eureka! The Museum for Children
| Interactive centre for young children.
| Science
Music
The body
The environment
| Children's Museum
200+ exhibits
Exhibition area: 4,500 m2
Size: L
Opened: 1992
| √ | √
| www.eureka.org.uk |
| Explore-At-Bristol |
Explore-At-Bristol is one of the UK's most exciting hands-on science centres! Discover interactive exhibits and special exhibitions, take in a Planetarium show or join our Live Science team for fun experiments and activities.
| Science
Natural history
| Science Centre
150+ exhibits
Exhibition area: 1500+ m2
Size: L
Opened: Jun-00
| √ | √
| www.at-bristol.org.uk |
| Exploris—the Northern Ireland Aquarium
| A marine life exhibition which is part of Northern Ireland's aquarium—Exploris.
| Marine Life | Other centre. 8 exhibits. Size: S. Opened: 1994
| | | www.exploris.org.uk
|
| Extra Ordinary Gallery |
Snibston is Leicestershire's all-weather science and industry museum, where visitors can get their hands on over 90 interactives indoors and outdoors.
| Biology
Energy
Weather
Light
Forces
Engineering
Mining
Textiles
| Science Centre
70+ exhibits
Size: M
Opened: 1992
| √ |
| www.leics.gov.uk/museums/snibston
|
| Foredown Tower | Interactive displays and exhibitions on countryside research. It is home to one of only two operational camera obscuras in South East England. Run by Brighton & Hove Council.
| Environmental
Camera obscura
Astronomy
| Other centre
5 exhibits
Size: S
Opened: 1991
| | | www.foredown.virtualmuseum.info
|
| Glasgow Science Centre |
Scotland's biggest science centre. Includes 4 floors of hands-on exhibits, IMAX and Space Theatre.
| Science | Science Centre
Size: L
Opened: Mar 2001
| √ | √
| www.glasgowsciencecentre.org
|
| Go Experimental at Sellafield Visitor Centre
| With interactive exhibits, exciting science workshops, plenty of hands—on fun and Europe's first Immersion Cinema, Sellafield Visitors is the educational and entertaining day out for budding scientists of all ages.
| Energy production
Nuclear power
The environment
Science
| Other centre
30+ exhibits
Size: S
Opened: 1989
| √ |
| www.go-experimental.com
|
| Green's Mill and Science Centre
| Restored working tower windmill once owned and operated by mathematical physicist George Green (1793-1841). Adjacent science centre tells the story of the windmill and of Green's scientific achievements with hands on exhibits e.g. magnetism, light, electricity.
| Maths
Environment
| Other centre
15 exhibits
Exhibition area: 100 m2
Size: S
Opened: 1985
| | | www.greensmill.org.uk
|
| Hands-On | A hands-on science centre for all ages. Run by the Oxford Trust who also provide shows, workshops and a number of other resources to enhance the teaching of science, technology and engineering in the area.
| Light and Sound
Forces and Motion
| Science Centre
40+ exhibits
Exhibition area: 100 m2
Size: S
Opened: 1990
| √ |
| www.oxtrust.org.uk/handson
|
| Harewood House and Bird Garden
| Exquisite House, Royal family memorabilia, art exhibitions, fascinating Below Stairs displays, stunning gardens, premier Bird Garden and Adventure Playground. Openminds workshops for schools covering English, Art, Science, History and more.
| Scientists
Maths
Conservation
| Museum
1,000s exhibits
Size: M
| | | www.harewood.org
|
| Horniman Museum & Gardens
| As well as being home to the most comprehensive musical instrument collection in Britain, the museum has an internationally renowned anthropological collection and a popular Natural History Gallery.
| Natural History
Music
Africa
| Museum
5,000+ exhibits
Exhibition area: 1500 m2
Size: M
| √ |
| www.horniman.ac.uk |
| The Hunterian Museum |
Interactive permanent displays include those on Lord Kelvin and Medicine in Glasgow.
| Archaeology
Weapons and War
Natural Sciences
Decorative & Applied Art
World Cultures
Medicine
Music
Coins and Medals
Personalities
Science and Technology
Social History
| Museum
Size: M
| | | www.gla.ac.uk/Museum
|
| Inspire Discovery Centre
| Norwich's hands-on science centre.
| Science | Science Centre
40 exhibits
Exhibition area: 300 m2
Size: S
Opened: 1995
| √ |
| www.inspirediscoverycentre.com
|
| INTECH | INTECH is an interactive hands on science and technology centre. 100 exhibits all designed and built in house to support the National Curriculum.
| Science and technology
| Science Centre
100 exhibits
Exhibition area: 2275 m2
Size: M
| √ | √
| www.intech-uk.com |
| Jodrell Bank Visitor Centre
| Arboretum, Environmental Discovery Centre, 3D Theatre, small exhibition area, Observational Pathway, Space Cafe and Shop. Please note we no longer have the Planetarium and extensive exhibitions.
| National Collections
Radio Astronomy
| Discovery Centre
Exhibition area: 1100 m2
Size: S
Opened: 1967
| √ |
| www.jb.man.ac.uk/scicen
|
| Livesey Museum for Children
| The Livesey is a fully interactive museum aimed at the under-12's, with an all-new exhibition every year.
| | Children's Museum
Size: S
Opened: 1974
| | | www.liveseymuseum.org.uk
|
| The Living Rainforest |
The Living Rainforest promotes a sustainable future through education and research on humanity and the world's rainforests. The charity runs a rainforest-inspired visitor centre in Berkshire, featuring plants and animals from this threatened tropical ecosystem.
| Plants and animals
Ecosystems
Economics
Cultures
| Animals/Plants
Exhibition area: 20000 m2
Size: M
Opened: 2000
| √ | √
| www.livingrainforest.org
|
| London Wetland Centre |
Exhibition areas include a Discovery Centre, with touchscreens and interactives, glass viewing Observatory and World Wetlands with examples of endangered birds from around the world.
| Wildlife
Birds
| Animals/Plants
Size: S
Opened: 2000
| | | www.wwt.org.uk
|
| The Look Out Discovery Centre
| The Look Out Discovery Centre has over 80 hands-on science exhibits. Launch a hot air balloon, climb through our giant mole hole or play a tune on our stringless harp!
| Science and nature |
Other centre
Over 80 exhibits
Exhibition area: 730 m2
Size: M
| √ |
| www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/be
|
| The Magic Mathworks Travelling Circus
| A touring maths lab that demonstrates and explores a multisensory approach to learning maths. On the road since 1989. Tours nationally and internationally. 3 supervised exhibitions.
| Maths | Travelling or Festival
30, 60 or 120 exhibits
Exhibition area: 100+ m2
| √ |
| www.magicmathworks.org |
| Magna Science Adventure Centre
| Magna is set in Templeborough Steelworks in Rotherham. Inside you can explore the four elements of fire, air, earth and water and have fun firing giant water canons, launching rockets, spinning in a gyroscopic chair, learning to fly, exploding rock faces and working real JCB's.
| | Science Centre
120+ exhibits
Size: L
Opened: Apr 2001
| √ | √
| www.visitmagna.co.uk |
| Making It! Discovery Centre
| Making it! is based around the process of making things, the history, invention, design, manufacture, testing, packaging, advertising and marketing of the products of British industry, and especially those of Midlands area.
| | Discovery Centre
Size: M
Opened: Apr 2002
| | √
| www.makingit.org.uk |
| The Manchester Museum |
University Museum includes 'Science for Life', interactive exhibition about the human body (previously at Wellcome, London); Discovery Centre; Fossils Gallery; Meteorites and minerals; Vivarium and Aquarium.
| Natural history
Science
Archaeology
Ethnography
| Museum
Size: L
Opened: 1885
| | | www.museum.man.ac.uk
|
| MatheMagic | Organises maths-related activities in the UK.
| Mathematics
General Science
Computers
| Travelling or Festival
| | | www.mathemagic.org
|
| Millennium Seed Bank |
The Millennium Seed Bank Exhibition allows the public an inside view into the processes involved in biodiversity conservation and seed banking.
| Plants
Biodiversity
| Animals/Plants
Size: M
Opened: Nov 2000
| √ | √
| www.kew.org/msbp |
| Museum of Childhood at Bethnal Green
| | Childhood
| Children's Museum
Size: M
Opened: 1872
| | | www.museumofchildhood.org.uk
|
| The Museum of Lancashire
| The Museum of Lancashire traces the history of the county and its people, from the turbulent middle ages through to recent times. It has a large collection of military objects and memorabilia including material from the three Lancashire regiments.
| Archaeology
Coins and Medals
Decorative & Applied Art
Fine Art
Medicine
Natural Sciences
Social History
Weapons and War
| Museum
Size: M
| | | www.lancashire.gov.uk/education/museums/
lancashire |
| The Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester
| Based in the buildings of the world's oldest passenger railway station, thirteen action-packed galleries bring the past to life with working industrial machinery, scientific achievement, live demonstrations and hands-on exhibits.
| Industrial heritage
Scientific achievement
| Museum
60+ Galleries
33 exhibits
Exhibition area: 600 m2
Size: L
Opened: 1988
| √ |
| www.msim.org.uk |
| The National Botanic Garden of Wales
| Plants and Water Discovery centre. Independent centre.
| Plants | Animals/Plants
Size: L
| | √
| www.gardenofwales.org.uk
|
| The National Marine Aquarium
| The National Marine Aquarium is a charity dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding of the oceans, the life they contain and the way that humans affect them. It is Britain's largest aquarium containing Europe's deepest tank.
| Aquatic Life
Human Interactions with the Oceans
| Discovery Centre
52 exhibits
Exhibition area: 5500 m2
Size: L
Opened: Jul 2002
| √ | √
| www.national-aquarium.co.uk
|
| National Museum of Photography, Film and Television
| Experience the past, present and future of photography, film and television with amazing interactive displays and exhibits. Don't forget to take in the amazing 2D and 3D action on the spectacular giant IMAX cinema screen.
| Photography
Film
Television
Digital media
| Museum
Size: L
Opened: 1983
| √ |
| www.nmpft.org.uk |
| National Museum of Wales
| Comprises: National Museum Cardiff St Fagans; National History Museum Big Pit; National Coal Museum; National Roman Legion Museum; National Slate Museum; National Waterfront Museum; and National Wool Museum.
| | Museum
Size: L
| √ |
| www.museumwales.ac.uk |
| National Museums Liverpool
| National Museums Liverpool is a group of eight museums and galleries dedicated to the promotion and enjoyment of art, history and science. The venues are The Conservation Centre, Lady Lever Art Gallery, Sudley House, Museum of Liverpool Life, HM Customs & Excise Museum and The Walker.
| Natural History Centre
Planetarium
Space Gallery
| Museum
Size: L
| √ |
| www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk
|
| National Railway Museum
| Discover the story of the train at the world's largest Railway Museum and have a great day out for all the family.
| Railways
Technology
| Museum
Size: L
| √ |
| www.nrm.org.uk |
| National Space Centre |
The National Space Centre is dedicated to space science and astronomy. Includes Space Theatre and a Challenger Learning Centre.
| Space science
Astronomy
| Science Centre
Size: L
Opened: Jun 2001
| √ | √
| www.spacecentre.co.uk |
| National Stone Centre |
Tells the Story of Stone—history, science, technology, art, environment—in the heart of the Derbyshire Dales.
| Extractive industry
Earth science
| Other centre
Size: S
Opened: 1990
| √ |
| www.nationalstonecentre.org.uk
|
| The Natural History Museum
| Dedicated to our planet's life story, the Museum takes visitors on an unforgettable journey into Earth's past, present and future. Discover more about the Museum's world leading scientific research in free daily events and behind the scenes tours in the Darwin Centre.
| Life and Earth Galleries
Dinosaurs
Mammals
Creepy Crawlies
Earth's Treasury
| Museum
Size: L
Opened: The Darwin Centre opened in 2002
| √ |
| www.nhm.ac.uk |
| Natural Science Centre |
The centre has a planetarium, observatory, alternative energy displays and a large conservation area. The themes and their relationship to each other provide a memorable experience for visitors.
| Space science
Weather
Alternative energy
Ecology
Dinosaurs
| Science Centre. Size: S
| | | www.naturalsciences.co.uk
|
| Nature's World | Nature's World demonstrates practical ways to improve our quality of life and the environment. We illustrate the steps towards sustainability finishing with our futuristic eco-structure and hydroponicum (Future World).
| Sustainability | Other centre
Size: S
Opened: Easter 2002
| | √
| www.naturesworld.org.uk
|
| Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery
| Now the County's principal museum, the Castle is packed with treasures to inspire and intrigue visitors of all ages.
| Archaeology
Natural history
Fine art
| Museum
Size: M
| | | www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/default.asp?Document=200.21
|
| The Observatory Science Centre
| Hands-on science centre set amongst the domes of the former Royal Observatory.
| Science
Space
Astronomy
| Science Centre
100+ exhibits
Size: M
Opened: 1995
| √ |
| www.the-observatory.org
|
| Our Dynamic Earth | A fantastic journey of discovery through the story of our planet. Face boiling lava, fly over glaciers and dive deep beneath the ocean in the experience of a lifetime.
| The physical and biological processes that formed and continue to shape our dynamic planet.
| Other centre
12 galleries/exhibits
Size: L
Opened: Jul 1999
| √ | √
| www.dynamicearth.co.uk |
| Paignton Zoo Environmental Park
| Home to some of the world's most endangered plants and animals.
| Animals
Conservation
| Animals/Plants
Size: L
| | | www.paigntonzoo.org.uk
|
| The Palms Tropical Oasis
| Set in a one acre glasshouse and featuring exotic plants and wildlife, gardens and aquaria.
| Animals
Plants
Conservation
Environment
| Animals/Plants
Size: M
| | | www.stapeleywg.com/palms.asp
|
| River & Rowing Museum
| The Museum has three main galleries devoted to the River Thames, the international sport of rowing and the town of Henley.
| River Thames
Rowing
Henley on Thames
| Museum
Size: M
Opened: 1998
| | | www.rrm.co.uk
|
| Royal Air Force Museum, Cosford
| An outstanding collection of aircraft and associated memorabilia.
| Aviation | Museum
Size: M
| | | www.rafmuseum.org.uk
|
| Royal Air Force Museum, London
| From a total collection of well over two hundred aircraft, over a hundred full-size aircraft from all over the world are displayed under cover on the historic site of the original London Aerodrome.
| Aviation | Museum
100+ exhibits
Size: M
| | | www.rafmuseum.org.uk
|
| Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
| The RBGE is dedicated to explaining and exploring the world of plants. Education is for all ages and stages, from casual visitors to botany students, and from children to senior citizens. Admission is free.
| Plants
Horticulture
Botany
| Science Centre
Over 6% of all known plants—over 13,000 species) exhibits
Size: L
| √ |
| www.rbge.org.uk |
| The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
| The Gardens cover 300 acres and are home to themed gardens and plant collections, as well as a number of historic and 'working' buildings. The living collections are a resource for botanical science world-wide.
| Plants from around the globe
Science and horticulture
Conservation of plants and habitats
| Animals/Plants
1000s exhibits
Exhibition area: 121,410 m2
Size: XL
| √ |
| www.rbgkew.org.uk |
| Royal Cornwall Museum, The Childrens House
| A community based discovery centre which explores the history and culture of Cornwall.
| | Children's Museum
Size: S
Opened: Summer 2002
| | | www.royalcornwallmuseum.org.uk
|
| Royal Museum | NMS holds a wealth of treasures built up over several centuries, encompassing archaeology, ethnology, decorative and applied arts, social history, science and technology, and the natural world.
| Natural history
Science and technology
Art and design
Ethnography
Ancient cultures and world cultures
| Museum
12,000 exhibits
Exhibition area: 15,000 m2
Size: L
| √ |
| www.nms.ac.uk |
| Royal Observatory Visitor Centre
| The Royal Observatory Visitor Centre aims to introduce the general public and visiting groups to the fascinating world of modern astronomy and space research.
| Astronomy
Space
| Other centre
Size: S
Opened: 1981
| √ |
| www.roe.ac.uk/vc |
| Satrosphere Science Centre
| Satrosphere is Scotland's original science centre. We encourage visitors to get 'hands on' with science through exploration and discovery. Fun-packed experiments, live shows and spectacular demonstrations bring science to life.
| Science | Science Centre
50+ exhibits
Exhibition area: 700 m2
Size: S
Opened: 1990
| √ |
| www.satrosphere.net |
| science made simple |
A science outreach company that takes science and engineering-based shows into schools all across the UK. We also provide professional development courses for staff working in museums and science centres.
| Science performance
Physics
Engineering
Theatre
| Travelling or Festival
Size: S
| √ |
| www.sciencemadesimple.co.uk
|
| Science Museum | Where else can you take a trip to Mars, age 30 years in 30 seconds or participate in a controversial scientific debate? At the Science Museum you can do all this and much, much more.
| Science
Technology
Medicine
| Museum
Thousands of exhibits
Size: L
Opened: Wellcome Wing, 2000
| √ | √
| www.sciencemuseum.org.uk
|
| Science Projects | Travelling hands-on exhibitions for science centres, museums, festivals or events. Current exhibitions on tour: Risk; The Senses: Medieval Machines; Puzzles and Illusions; Good vibrationsm—the science of sound; Feel the Force and Light and Optics.
| Science | Travelling or Festival
10 to 18 exhibits
Size: S
Opened: 1988
| √ |
| www.science-projects.org
|
| SCOPE | Kelham Island Museum traces `The Story of Sheffield' and includes a science discovery centre.
| Light
Sound
Forces
Materials
Magnets
| Museum
100+ exhibits
Exhibition area: 600 m2
Size: M
Opened: 1990
| √ |
| www.simt.co.uk/kel1 |
| The Scottish Seabird Centre
| Visitors control interactive cameras, sited on islands in the Firth of Forth to explore the fascinating world of seabirds, with thousands of puffins and gannets, and marine wildlife including seals and dolphins. The centre is now operating wildlife boat safaris around the islands of the Firth of Forth throughout the summer period.
| Seabirds
Marine environment
| Discovery Centre
Exhibition area: 340 m2
Size: S
Opened: 2000
| √ | √
| www.seabird.org |
| SEARCH | A range of hands-on activity sessions in history and natural science, closely linked to the National Curriculum and led by expert staff.
| History
Natural History
| Museum
Exhibition area: 250 m2
Size: S
Opened: 1995
| | | www.hants.gov.uk/museum/search
|
| Sensation Dundee | Interactive Science Centre in Dundee. Also includes a 3D cinema, soft play area, internet café and shop. Roborealm, will give visitors the chance to interact with robots.
| Senses
Biology
| Science Centre
60+ exhibits
Exhibition area: 1000 m2
Size: M
| √ | √
| www.sensation.org.uk |
| Slimbridge Wildfowl & Wetlands Centre
| The headquarters of WWT, Slimbridge is an award-winning visitor centre overlooking nationally and internationally protected wetlands.
| Wildlife
Birds
| Animals/Plants
Size: S
Opened: 1946
| | √
| www.wwt.org.uk |
| Techniquest Science Discovery Centre
| Over 150 hands-on exhibits and fascinating shows in the Theatre and Planetarium make Techniquest a unique experience for visitors.
| Biology
Chemistry
Earth and Space
Electricity
Energy
Environment
Forces
Light and Colour
Maths
Humans
Music
| Science Centre
100+ exhibits
Exhibition area: 1500 m2
Size: L
Opened: 1986
| √ |
| www.techniquest.org |
| Thackray Museum | The displays explain the ways in which people's lives have changed over the last 150 years as a result of improvements in public health, medicine and healthcare.
| Medicine & healthcare
| Museum
Size: M
Opened: 1997
| | | www.thackraymuseum.org
|
| Thinktank at Millennium Point
| Thinktank offers ten galleries of historical artefacts, modern interactives and futuristic facts. Visitors can explore everything from space travel and steam engines to intestines and taste buds. Includes digital planetarium and IMAX cinema.
| Transport
Industrial Revolution
Local history
Modern medicine
Contemporary and future science
Space
| Science Centre
Approx 2,600 exhibits
Exhibition area: 7,500 m2
Size: L
Opened: Sep 2001
| √ | √
| www.thinktank.ac |
| Ulster Folk and Transport Museum
| The award winning galleries of the Transport Museum display Ireland's most comprehensive transport collections from horse drawn carts to Irish built motor cars, from the mighty steam locomotives which graced our railways to the history of ship and aircraft building.
| Transport
Irish culture
Life and heritage
| Museum
Size: M
| √ |
| www.uftm.org.uk |
| Ulster Museum | Ulster Museum's displays feature material from the collections of Fine and Applied Art, Archaeology, Ethnography, Treasures from the Armada, Local History, Numismatics, Industrial Archaeology, Botany, Zoology and Geology.
| Art
History
Natural sciences
| Museum
Exhibition area: 8,000 m2
Size: L
| √ |
| www.ulstermuseum.org.uk
|
| Water of Leith Visitor Centre
| Explore Edinburgh's hidden natural asset the Water of Leith. The visitors' centre is home to a fantastic interactive exhibition on the river's heritage and wildlife. Walkway information, cafe, giftshop.
| River
Water
Wildlife
| Other centre
Size: S
Opened: 2001
| | √
| www.waterofleith.org.uk
|
| whowhatwherewhenwhy—W5
| W5 is Ireland's only purpose-built science discovery centre. Located at Odyssey, Northern Ireland's Millennium Landmark. 140 interactive exhibits in five exhibition areas.
| | Science Centre
140 exhibits
Exhibition area: 3,600 m2
Size: M
Opened: Spring 2001
| √ | √
| www.w5online.co.uk |
| Woolsthorpe Manor | Interactive science centre at the birthplace and childhood home of Sir Isaac Newton, with historic manor house, orchards and farm buildings.
| The work of Sir Isaac Newton
| Science Centre
14 exhibits
Exhibition area: 50 m2
Size: M
| √ |
| www.nationaltrust.org.uk
|
| World Museum Liverpool |
World Museum Liverpool is the largest of the National Museums Liverpool venues. The fascinating and varied collections cover archaeology, ethnology and the natural and physical sciences.
| Archaeology
Natural sciences
Physical sciences
| Museum
5 exhibits
Exhibition area: 100 m2
Size: M
Opened: 1993
| √ |
| www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/wml
|
| Yorkshire Museum | Collections of Roman, Viking, Anglo-Saxon and medieval artefacts, decorative arts, geology and the natural sciences.
| Archaeology
Geology
Natural sciences
Decorative arts
| Museum
Size: M
Opened: 1828
| | | www.yorkshiremuseum.org.uk
|
