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!
World Water Day Collage
Over 150 youth and educators gathered at the Manitoba Museum on March 20, 2025 to learn all about water and water issues through hands-on activities and engaging discussions, as part of the Museum’s annual World Water Day youth event, in partnership with Science First.
Participants had the opportunity to attend a number of interactive breakout sessions throughout the day, hosted by the Churchill Marine Observatory, the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba, Experimental Lakes Area, and Narratives, Inc., among others.
One of the sessions, hosted by Cassidy Mazur, Senior Education and Relations Officer for the Experimental Lakes Area, encouraged youth to look at their connection to water and express it creatively in a “water collage”. The collage expanded throughout the day with each session conducted, resulting with this awesome 18-ft. work of art.
Contributors to the collage included youth from Grant Park High School, Ecole River Heights, Kildonan East Collegiate, Children of the Earth High School, Ecole Sacre-Coeur, Tec-Voc High School, Exchange MET School, Edmund Partridge Community School, and Ecole Leila North.
The collage will be available to view during Earth Days @ the Manitoba Museum on April 19 and 20 in the Science Gallery’s Explore Science Zone.
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!