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:
Explore Science Zone
Set Sail with Science this summer in a hands-on engineering adventure at the Science Gallery! Design, build, and test your own wind-powered boat using simple craft materials, then race it through our water canal to see if your vessel can reach the treasure. Along the way, explore the science of buoyancy, airflow, stability, motion, and engineering design while discovering how these same principles have shaped ocean travel, exploration, and marine technology for centuries. From historic sailing ships to modern sustainable vessel design, wind and water continue to connect people, communities, and oceans around the world. Perfect for curious builders, makers, and future engineers of all ages!
Open 10 am to 4 pm on weekends in June, then seven days a week in July and August. Ends Labor Day Monday.
Free with admission to the Science Gallery.
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!
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!