Science City

The Science City, one of its kinds in India, inaugurated on 1st July, 1997 has been developed as a major attraction of Kolkata. Developed by the National Council of Science Museum in 50 acres of land on the eastern flank of the city, it portrays the growth of science and technology and their application in industry, human welfare and environment. Presenting science and technology in a stimulating and engaging environment, the Science City of Kolkata is truly educational and enjoyable for the people of all ages. It has, over the years, become a place for memorable experience and enjoyment for both the young the old.

Location of Science City, Kolkata

The Science City, Kolkata is located on the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass at the crossing of the Park Circus Connector. Its official address is J.B.S Haldane Avenue.

The attractions and exhibits of Science City, Kolkata

The Science City consists of two facilities – the Science Centre and the Convention Centre. The Science Centre complex comprises the various exhibits like Dynamotion, Maritime Centre, Space Odyssey, Evolution Theme Park and a Science Park. Whereas the Convention Centre complex comprises the Grand Theatre, one Mini Auditorium and a Seminar hall building.

The various attractions of Science City Kolkata are:

Dynamotion: This large spiral shaped building has a great collection of interactive exhibits on physical science and the energy ball exhibit complement the building of unique architecture. Here, you can make a soap bubble float in air, create music while walking on the floor piano, move a floating ball, make a large dish float in air or peep into a well of infinite depth.

Power of Ten: This new panel based exhibition reveals the secret of the universe. Visitors can compare by mere looking at the displays, the size of the objects as they go to higher and lower scales of measurement.

Illusions: This section shows some apparently impossible looking pictures and visuals. How motion and placement makes a difference in our visual perception can be seen and experimented with the help of computer based activity.

Life in Water: The 40-tank aquaria with fish of exotic varieties in their natural underwater environment give an opportunity to discover the natural life of fish.

Space Odyssey: This gives a thrilling voyage to the universe. This facility has Space Theatre, Time Machine, 3D Theatre, Variety of exhibits on Space science, Spinning platform, Van-de-Graaff generator, Mirror Magic and interactive multimedia Kiosk on Solar System,

Time Machine: This motion simulator synchronizes an Audio – Visual Presentation with the motion of the capsule. The simulator capsule accommodates 30 visitors and has six degree of motion, making horizontal pitches, longitudinal rolls and vertical lifts.

Mirror Magic: This section exhibits the physical principles behind images. A mirror maze provides a real puzzle to the visitors. Head on a platter, curving tunnel, float in the air, infinite train etc. are some of the exhibits that one has to see and experience to believe.

3D Vision Theatre: Digital technology offers immense avenues to present images with extraordinary variety. In this theatre Polaroid based stereo projection creates three dimensional effect. The show gives an immersive experience with the help of special Polaroid spectacles.

Space Theatre: In this dome theatre, through the Astrovision 70 large format film projection system, viewers are wrapped with images of unsurpassed sizes which induce an amazing sense of involvement. It is a unique experience which, one has to witness to believe. The theatre also present planetarium shows using GSS Helios star field projection system housed inside the theatre.

Butterfly Enclave: Here one can see varieties of colorful live butterflies. In this enclave, butterflies move from one plant to another primarily in search of nectar from flowers. They also fly to hoist plant for laying eggs, which is used as food for the emerging larvae. Culturally, butterflies are a popular motif in the visual and literary arts. Watching them in action is highly educative and a wonderful experience.

Maritime Centre: A permanent pavilion within Science City, developed in collaboration with Kolkata Port Trust depicts India’s remarkable maritime history and maritime activity. The exposition in housed in a ship shaped building having a build up area of around 700 square meters. The Maritime Centre also displays interesting exhibits on maritime activity, replicas, scaled models and precious artifacts. An unmanned quiz corner supplements the exhibition.

Musical Fountain: A fully computerized fountain with water jets synchronized with music and lights is a feast to your senses while you relax.

Picnic Garden: In Science City, visitors are allowed to bring their own food. It has got a picnic area meant for this purpose where visitors in groups can relax and enjoy in a lush green environment.

Outdoor Science Park: This outdoor exposition comprises Children Play Corner, Caterpillar Ride, and Gravity Coaster, Musical Fountain, Road Train, Cable Cars, Monirial Cycle, Butterfly Nursery and Plethora of exhibits on Physical Science, Placed along side a maze amidst a lush green ambience, it offers an ideal free choice learning environment.

Evolution Park Theme Tour: How life came into being and diversified over millions of year has always been intriguing to scientist. The Evolution Park Theme Tour spread over 1300square meters is a journey back to early age of evolution of life on Earth. The recreated near realistic ambiance gives one the knowledge on evolutionary phases of life and glimpses of those gigantic extinct animals of the past. The exhibition, broadly divided into seven period settings, ends with the story of advent of the Modern Man.

Earth Exploration Hall: The exposition offers a platform where visitors can learn about all aspects of the planet Earth – its creation and evolution, physical events that occur due to the location of the Earth in the solar system, geology, geography, ecology, demography, biodiversity and various other phenomena related to our planet. The gallery is set up in a dome shaped building of 25 meters diameter. The exhibition addresses issues concerned to environment and ecology, global climate change and natural disasters with adequate scientific explanation for general awareness and understanding.

Convention Centre complex: There is also a fully Air Conditioned Convention Centre complex comprising a Seminar Hall building with 11 halls, the Grand Theatre (2232 seating capacity) and one Mini Auditorium (392 seating capacity).