Warsaw: If you have more time...
Copernicus Science Centre / Copernicus Science Centre
Copernicus Science Centre
Opened in 2010, it is compulsory that you visit the Copernicus Centre whether you are a science-lover, amateur scientist or not. It is for all who have any interest in how and why the world around us is built. The long queues, every day of the week, speak for themselves. You just can't miss it.
The Copernicus Science Centre aims to arouse curiosity, aid independent learning and study of the world and to instigate social dialogue on the subject of science. A wide range and variety of interactive exhibits have been created to transmit the largest amount of knowledge possible on all kinds of topics in the most effective way possible. It is possible, in fact compulsory, to touch, test and play with the exhibits which astonish not only the younger visitors.
There are over 450 exhibits at the Copernicus Centre - objects, installations and inventions - gathered in 6 themed galleries. The first is "On the move" and is dedicated to movement (the blood in your veins, particles in the air, water in space) as an essential of life. The next is "Humans and the environment" where we can see the human body from the inside out. "The Lightzone" presents us with the amazing light effects which can be observed in nature and the mechanisms of optical illusions. "Roots of civilisation" recounts the most interesting facts in the history of the earth and human civilisation, while the gallery "Buzzz!", dedicated to the younger visitors, develops the imagination and increases the appetite for knowledge. In the Copernicus Centre everyone can try to play a laser harp, or check out how comfortable it is to lie down on balls or on nails. You can also observe famous people in - bubbles, create your own animated film or watch a skeleton riding a bicycle. There is also a Robotic Theatre, where the lead roles are played robots - who (or what) else? Technologically advanced machines with voices of great actors like Wiktor Zborowski and Piotr Fronczewski.
The "Discovery Park" is the courtyard for the Science Centre and embraces the green terrain right by the Vistula river. It's a place to relax, listen to a concert or visit an outdoor gallery. The various stations with installations and artistic projects offer the chance to do a few experiments on your own.
The newest 'baby' of the Copernicus Science Centre is "The heavens of Copernicus" project, a planetarium covered by a 16m diameter dome. Inside you can go on a trip to the edge of the universe, a volcano crater or to the very beginnings of the world. The modern multimedia technology makes you feel more like a participant than an observer of the presented events.
The Copernicus Science Centre also organises interesting popular-scientific lectures, workshops for parents and children and many, many more fantastic events. Unfortunately, there is usually a crowd in front of the ticket offices, because there is a limit to the number of visitors at any one time. Be especially patient at the weekend - it's worth it!