Are you looking for a place to explore, learn, and have fun in Melbourne? If yes, then you should visit Scienceworks, a science museum that offers a variety of exhibitions, experiences, and stories for all ages. Whether you are interested in space, electricity, technology, or climate science, you will find something to spark your curiosity and imagination at Scienceworks.
Scienceworks is more than just a museum. It is a place where you can discover the wonders of science and its applications in our lives. You can also participate in interactive and educational programs, watch spectacular shows, and read fascinating stories that will inspire you to learn more. Scienceworks is a place where you can have fun while learning.
In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about Scienceworks, including its history, vision, themes, exhibitions, experiences, stories, membership, and practical information. We will also give you some tips and recommendations on how to make the most of your visit. Whether you are a local or a tourist, a family or a solo traveller, a science enthusiast or a casual visitor, you will find something to suit your interests and needs at Scienceworks.
Exhibitions
One of the main attractions of Scienceworks is its exhibitions. Scienceworks has a range of permanent and temporary exhibitions that cover various topics and themes related to science. Here are some of the exhibitions that you can enjoy at Scienceworks:
- Air Playground: This exhibition lets you explore the invisible but powerful force of air. You can play with giant balloons, wind tubes, air cannons, and more. You can also learn about the properties of air, how it affects our weather, and how we can use it for energy and transportation. Air Playground is suitable for children aged 2 to 8 and their families. The admission fee is $5 per person, in addition to the museum entry fee.
- Planetarium Nights: This exhibition lets you experience the wonders of the night sky in a state-of-the-art planetarium. You can watch immersive shows that feature stunning visuals and sound effects. You can also learn about the stars, planets, constellations, and other celestial phenomena. Planetarium Nights is suitable for adults and children aged 8 and above. The admission fee is $8 per person, in addition to the museum entry fee.
- Love is in the Air: This exhibition lets you celebrate the science of love and attraction. You can learn about the chemistry, biology, psychology, and sociology of love. You can also take part in interactive games, quizzes, and experiments that will reveal your love style, compatibility, and preferences. Love is in the Air is suitable for adults and children aged 15 and above. The admission fee is $10 per person, in addition to the museum entry fee.
- Summer School Holidays: This exhibition lets you enjoy a variety of activities and events during the summer break. You can join workshops, demonstrations, and performances that will teach you about science, art, and culture. You can also meet experts, artists, and scientists who will share their knowledge and skills with you. Summer School Holidays is suitable for all ages and interests. The admission fee is included in the museum entry fee.
These are just some of the exhibitions that you can find at Scienceworks. There are also other exhibitions that are available throughout the year, such as Beyond Perception, Sportsworks, Think Ahead, and Ground Up. You can check the museum's website for more details and updates on the current and upcoming exhibitions. You can also book your tickets online to avoid queues and secure your spot.
Experiences
Another attraction of Scienceworks is its experiences. Scienceworks has a range of interactive and educational programs that let you learn and have fun at the same time. Here are some of the experiences that you can join at Scienceworks:
- Painting a Nebula: This experience lets you create your own cosmic masterpiece using digital tools. You can choose from different colours, shapes, and effects to design your own nebula, a cloud of gas and dust in space. You can also learn about the formation and evolution of nebulas, and how they influence the birth of stars and planets. Painting a Nebula is suitable for all ages and abilities. The experience is free and available daily from 10 am to 4 pm.
- Can You See Sound: This experience lets you explore the relationship between sound and vision. You can use a microphone, a speaker, and a screen to generate and manipulate sound waves. You can also learn about the properties of sound, how it travels, and how it affects our perception. Can You See Sound is suitable for all ages and abilities. The experience is free and available daily from 10 am to 4 pm.
- Sensory Play with Playdough: This experience lets you unleash your creativity and senses with playdough. You can make your own playdough using simple ingredients, such as flour, salt, water, and food colouring. You can also add different textures, scents, and sounds to your playdough to enhance your sensory experience. Sensory Play with Playdough is suitable for children aged 2 to 5 and their families. The experience is free and available daily from 10 am to 12 pm.
These are just some of the experiences that you can find at Scienceworks. There are also other experiences that are available throughout the year, such as Coding for Kids, Science on the Move, and Little Kids' Day In. You can check the museum's website for more details and updates on the current and upcoming experiences. You can also register or join the experiences online or on-site.
Stories
Another attraction of Scienceworks is its stories. Scienceworks has a range of blog posts and articles that tell you more about the science behind the museum's exhibitions and experiences. Here are some of the stories that you can read at Scienceworks:
- The Electric Vehicle Future: This story tells you about the history, development, and future of electric vehicles. You can learn about the advantages and challenges of electric vehicles, such as their environmental impact, performance, and cost. You can also find out how Scienceworks is supporting the electric vehicle revolution, such as by hosting the Electric Vehicle Expo and installing electric vehicle charging stations.
- Steam Power: This story tells you about the role of steam power in the industrial revolution and beyond. You can learn about the invention and improvement of steam engines, and how they transformed various industries, such as mining, manufacturing, and transportation. You can also find out how Scienceworks is preserving and showcasing the legacy of steam power, such as by restoring and operating the historic Spotswood Pumping Station.
- Our Addiction to Plastic: This story tells you about the impact of plastic on our environment and health. You can learn about the production and consumption of plastic, and how it affects our oceans, wildlife, and climate. You can also find out how Scienceworks is raising awareness and promoting action on plastic pollution, such as by hosting the Plastic Free July Challenge and displaying the Plastic Bag Monster.
- Astronomy and the Art of Scientific Storytelling: This story tells you about the connection between astronomy and storytelling. You can learn about how astronomers use stories to communicate their discoveries and theories, and how stories inspire and influence astronomy. You can also find out how Scienceworks is celebrating and exploring the art of scientific storytelling, such as by hosting the Astronomy Storytelling Festival and featuring the Storytelling Planetarium.
These are just some of the stories that you can find at Scienceworks. There are also other stories that are available throughout the year, such as The Science of Love, The Future of Food, and The Mystery of Dark Matter. You can check the museum's website for more details and updates on the current and upcoming stories. You can also read or share the stories online or on social media.
Membership
Another attraction of Scienceworks is its membership. Scienceworks has a membership program that offers you a range of benefits, such as free entry, discounts, and exclusive events. Here are some of the benefits that you can enjoy as a member of Scienceworks:
- Free entry: You can visit Scienceworks and its exhibitions as many times as you want, without paying any admission fees. You can also visit the other museums under Museums Victoria, such as Melbourne Museum and Immigration Museum, for free.
- Discounts: You can save money on various products and services at Scienceworks and its partner organisations, such as tickets, merchandise, food, and parking. You can also get discounts on other museums and attractions across Australia and New Zealand, such as Questacon, Powerhouse Museum, and Auckland Museum.
- Exclusive events: You can access special events and programs that are only available for members, such as previews, tours, workshops, and talks. You can also meet and mingle with other members, staff, and experts at these events.
These are just some of the benefits that you can enjoy as a member of Scienceworks. There are also other benefits that are available throughout the year, such as newsletters, magazines, and competitions. You can check the museum's website for more details and updates on the current and upcoming benefits. You can also join or renew your membership online or on-site.
Practical Information
The last attraction of Scienceworks is its practical information. Scienceworks has a range of information that will help you plan and enjoy your visit, such as its location, hours, contact information, and facilities. Here are some of the information that you need to know about Scienceworks:
- Location: Scienceworks is located at 2 Booker Street, Spotswood, Victoria, 3015. It is about 5 km west of Melbourne CBD, and easily accessible by car, train, bus, bike, or ferry. You can use the map below to find the best way to get to Scienceworks.
- Hours: Scienceworks is open daily from 10 am to 4:30 pm, except on Christmas Day and Good Friday. The museum may also have extended hours or special closures for some events and programs. You can check the museum's website for the latest information on the opening and closing hours.
- Contact information- You can contact Scienceworks by phone, email, or online. The phone number is (03) 9392 4800, and the email address is info@scienceworks.com.au. You can also visit the museum's website at https://museumsvictoria.com.au/scienceworks/ or follow the museum's social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
- Facilities: Scienceworks has a range of facilities that will make your visit comfortable and enjoyable, such as:
- Accessibility: Scienceworks is wheelchair accessible and has wheelchair spaces in the planetarium and the lightning room. The museum also has hearing loops, tactile maps, and large print guides for visitors with hearing or vision impairments. The museum also welcomes visitors with autism or sensory sensitivities and provides sensory maps, quiet spaces, and social scripts for them.
- Places to rest: Scienceworks has several places where you can relax and recharge during your visit, such as benches, seats, and picnic areas. You can also visit the museum's cafe, which serves a variety of snacks, drinks, and meals. The cafe is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm.
- Parking: Scienceworks has a free car park for visitors, which can accommodate up to 400 cars. The car park is open daily from 9:30 am to 5 pm. The car park may be full during peak times, such as weekends and school holidays. You can also park on the street, but be aware of the parking restrictions and fees.
Conclusion
Scienceworks is a science museum that offers a fun and educational experience for all ages. You can explore, learn, and have fun at the museum's exhibitions, experiences, and stories. You can also enjoy the museum's benefits, such as free entry, discounts, and exclusive events, by becoming a member. Scienceworks is a place where you can discover the wonders of science and its applications in our lives.
