Test the universal laws of science and explore the wonders of technology and illusion in the Manitoba Museum’s Science Gallery! Learn about yourself and the world around you through entertaining hands-on activities where you become the scientist. Each exhibit offers operating instructions (what to do) and a short explanation of the science at work (what’s going on).
The Science Gallery contains a mix of newer exhibits and old favorites. The Matrix mirror room is still there, as well as lots of exhibits that cover the basics of science.
Be sure to check out these engrossing science experiences:
Brickyard
Lake Winnipeg: Shared Solutions
Pulley Chairs
Engineered for Speed
Cosmos Corner
Animation Station
The Science Gallery also features the Explore Science Zone, an interactive space where science comes alive. Hands-on activities, displays and events rotate throughout the year, so be sure to come see what’s new!
Museum Stories: Hands-on with science!
Youth Climate Alliance
The Youth Climate Alliance is a group of grade 9-12 students (14-18 years old) who work together to better understand climate change and its impacts. Through a series of workshops and training, the Youth Climate Alliance aims to host events “by and for” youth.
The goal of the Youth Climate Alliance is to give youth an avenue to pursue climate change advocacy and have their voices heard.
Applications for the Winter 2024 cohort of the Youth Climate Alliance program are now closed. Keep an eye out for the application opening for the Fall 2024 cohort later this year!
This initiative is presented by the Manitoba Museum in partnership with GenAction, a project funded by the Government of Canada’s Climate Action and Awareness Fund that aims to empower youth to take action on climate change and inspire them to become leaders in their community.
History of the Science Gallery
The Manitoba Museum’s Science Gallery opened as Touch the Universe in 1986, based on an emerging “science center” model at the time, emphasizing touchable, interactive exhibits over artifacts in glass cases. The Gallery centered on the five senses we use to explore the Universe: sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste. Touch the Universe was a great success, covering areas of physical science not encompassed by the main Museum Galleries or the Planetarium, and quickly became a favorite for younger visitors and anyone who preferred to experience the world in a hands-on way.
The Manitoba Museum’s Science Gallery opened as Touch the Universe in 1986, based on an emerging “science center” model at the time, emphasizing touchable, interactive exhibits over artifacts in glass cases. The Gallery centered on the five senses we use to explore the Universe: sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste. Touch the Universe was a great success, covering areas of physical science not encompassed by the main Museum Galleries or the Planetarium, and quickly became a favorite for younger visitors and anyone who preferred to experience the world in a hands-on way.
In the 2000s, Touch the Universe became the “Science Gallery” and new content was brought in to replace outdated or worn-out exhibits. Small temporary and traveling exhibits on topics such as space exploration, forensics, and mathematics transformed spaces into new and exciting adventures for visitors young and old.
Next came the permanent exhibit Space Rocks: Meteorites of Manitoba, which featured some of the Museum’s collection of meteorites including a touchable specimen. Then in 2006, the Province of Manitoba funded a large-scale refurbishment of the Science Gallery, which replaced most of the older exhibits with several new areas, including the Engineered for Speed race track.
In 2013, the Lake Winnipeg: Shared Solutions exhibit opened, a collaboration of numerous community partnerships focusing on the environmental issues facing the Lake Winnipeg watershed. More recent additions include the Brickyard: Build With Lego exhibit and a real Black Brant rocket made right here in Manitoba.
The Science Gallery is undergoing continued development, with new exhibits being added as time and resources allow.
Make your event fun!
Engage your guests by having them test out the universal laws of science and explore the wonders of technology and illusion.
Whether your guests face building challenges with LEGO® bricks, saving Lake Winnipeg through a state-of-the-art game simulation or building and racing a race car – it’s undeniable that hands-on learning is fun for everyone!