Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Science World
Fascinating insights into all aspects of the universe are featured at the
award-winning Science World. Explorations begin with the smallest insect and
progress to the farthest corners of the galaxy. A legacy of Expo '86, the build-
ing opened as a science center in 1989 after passionate community efforts.
Five galleries feature hundreds of delightfully interactive, hands-on displays
and exhibits, while intriguing traveling exhibits show regularly. In 2005, the
telecommunications giant TELUS donated $9 million to develop exhibits and
programs to ensure that Science World is always fresh and up-to-date.
Top 10 Highlights
1 Geodesic Dome
2 Alcan OMNIMAX Theatre
3 Illusions Gallery
4 Kidspace Gallery
5 Centre Stage
6 Our World Gallery
7 Feature Gallery
8 Eureka! Gallery
9 Science Theatre
0 BodyWorks Gallery
Illusions Gallery
White Spot, a popular
BC chain known for
its burgers slathered
with Triple O (triple
oozy) sauce, is on the
Science World site. A
concession on Level 2
offers juices, popcorn,
and ice cream bars.
Geodesic Dome
Science World's 155-
ft- (47-m-) tall geodesic
dome
(center)
is affection-
ately dubbed “the golf
ball” by locals. The design
is based on the prototype
structure made famous by
US inventor and architect
R. Buckminster Fuller.
Mirrorlike exterior panels,
766 in all, reflect the sun-
light, while 391 exterior
lights sparkle at night.
Paid parking in the
small lot is at a pre-
mium. It's best to take
the SkyTrain to Main
Street Station, then
walk the short block
to Science World.
Illusions Gallery
Everything is not the way
it seems in this wonderful
world of optical illusions.
Straight lines appear to bend,
still images begin to move.
Puzzle tables pit wits against
mind-twisters for all ages.
Alcan OMNIMAX
Theatre
The five-story screen -
the largest in the world -
envelops viewers with
thrilling films such as Aca-
demy Award-nominated
The Living Sea.
The
400-seat theater, located
in the geodesic dome,
projects images nine
times larger than a
conventional movie
house onto a screen
88 ft (27 m) in diam-
eter. Sound pours
out of 28 digital
speakers.
• 1455 Quebec St
• Map M5
• 604 443 7440
• www.science
world.bc.ca
• Open summer: 10am-
6pm daily; winter: 10am-
5pm Mon-Fri, 10am-
6pm Sat-Sun, holidays;
closed Jan 1 & Dec 25
• Adm: adults $13.75,
seniors/students/youth
$9.50; under 4s free
Additional fee for Alcan
OMNIMAX Theatre
Kidspace Gallery
Kids ages two to six get
to burn off excess energy
climbing, sliding, running,
and jumping on the exhibits
(below).
Water play, with
boats supplied, is a
favorite.
22
A four-hour visit is the average at Science World
