Techniquest is bringing back two of its most popular exhibits as part of its 40th anniversary celebrations, alongside a host of new interactive experiences for visitors this summer.
The Cardiff Bay science discovery centre is relaunching the much loved Mirror Maze and Head on a Plate exhibits after visitors voted for their return in an on site poll last year.
The new versions are designed to give generations of former visitors the chance to relive childhood memories while introducing a new audience to two exhibits that helped make Techniquest a family favourite.
Established in 1986 as the UK’s first purpose built hands on science discovery centre, Techniquest has welcomed more than seven million visitors over the past four decades. Today, the attraction features more than 130 interactive exhibits, ranging from puzzles and engineering challenges to large scale hands on experiences.
Gareth McTiffin, Director of Experiences at Techniquest, said: “The Bernoulli Blower was one of the very first exhibits on display at Techniquest at its original British Gas Showrooms home in the 1980s. It was a favourite of our founder, Professor John Beetlestone, and has remained a favourite with visitors for decades. While it has been refurbished and updated over the years, the science behind it remains the same. It’s a fun, hands-on way to explore the Bernoulli principle, which explains how aircraft stay in the air.
“As we celebrate 40 years of discovery this year, we’re excited to be bringing back some of the exhibits that people remember most fondly. The Mirror Maze and Head on a Plate have sparked countless conversations and family photos over the years, and we’re looking forward to seeing families sharing those joyful optical illusions once again. They’re a reminder that science can be educational and entertaining at the same time.”
Alongside the returning favourites, Techniquest is introducing several new exhibits, including three music themed experiences exploring the science of sound.
Visitors will be able to create music using laser beams on the Laser Harp, build their own giant xylophone melodies with Build a Melody, and record and replay rhythms using the Playful Looper.
Students from Cardiff Met have also helped shape the future of the attraction by designing two brand new exhibits. Fourteen teams took part in a design project earlier this year, with two concepts selected for development.
The winning exhibits include Structures Under Stress, where visitors build structures capable of withstanding an earthquake, and another exploring electric currents and magnetic fields through Lenz’s Law.
Sue Wardle, Techniquest CEO, said: “The overarching theme for our anniversary celebrations is 40 Years of Discovery: celebrating the past, present and future. By bringing back old favourites like the Mirror Maze, introducing more current musical exhibits from existing manufacturers, and working alongside the designers of the future, we’re giving a nod to where we’ve come from and where we’re heading. It’s been a privilege to see how the students from the Product Design course at Cardiff Met threw themselves into their work to create potential new exhibits for us. Judging a sole winner from the 14 presented was so difficult that we had to choose two!
“For more than 40 years, Techniquest has inspired curiosity and a love of science across Wales, and we are determined to carry that forward for the next 40 years. Among the seven million people we’ve engaged with are individuals who have gone on to become scientists, technicians and engineers. We’re keen to hear more stories from people who remember visiting when they were children, especially if they remember playing with some of the old favourites like the Mirror Maze or the Bernoulli Blower. There’s a Memories page up on our website now where people can share them with us; and if they’re willing to share some old photographs too, we’d love to see them!”
The anniversary celebrations also include a new live science show, Battle of the Bangs, featuring some of Techniquest’s most explosive demonstrations from the past 40 years. Visitors can also take part in slime workshops in the KLA Lab, attend Star Tours in the 360 degree Planetarium and enjoy environmental science activities led by the centre’s live science presenters.
The A-Mazing Summer programme runs from 11 July to 2 September, with the launch weekend taking place on 11 and 12 July.
As part of the Great British Summer Savings scheme, Techniquest is reducing ticket prices between now June and 1 September, with full day admission available from £11.93. Additional discounts are available for Blue Light Card holders, Universal Credit recipients and rail passengers through National Rail and Transport for Wales offers. Tickets for A-Mazing Summer are on sale now.
