Visitors to the Bon Accord Aberdeen shopping centre will find science experiments, optical illusions and interactive exhibits alongside fashion, beauty and book retailers from tomorrow (Saturday August 7).
Aberdeen Science Centre has launched a new pop-up centre which is open to everyone and is free of charge.
With colourful murals of inspirational STEM figures such as Marie Curie and Albert Einstein, the space will offer a taster of Aberdeen Science Centre’s recently reopened main venue at the Tramsheds on Constitution Street.
The new pop-up space is located in the former Disney Store on the lower mall, having previously occupied a smaller unit that was once a Thorntons store.
ASC at Bon Accord has seating space and areas to host engaging Science on the Spot demonstrations run by staff from Aberdeen Science Centre, in line with the current Covid-19 guidelines.
Bryan Snelling, chief executive of Aberdeen Science Centre, said: “We are excited to be opening a second space to the public, which will allow us to reach a wider range of people and showcase what’s on offer at the newly refurbished Aberdeen Science Centre.
“We have brought in new exhibits for visitors to try and we’re also looking forward to hosting fun and exciting Science on the Spot demonstrations that will bring the magic of science to life for children, young people and adults alike.
“We are grateful to Bon Accord Aberdeen for providing this space to support our outreach education activities and we hope to see many people enjoying some time trying out our interactive exhibits and learning more about science.”
Among the exhibits for the public to enjoy are a catenary arch, which uses numbered blocks to make a giant free-standing arch, distorted mirrors and a reaction wall to test speed and agility.
Craig Stevenson, centre manager at Bon Accord Aberdeen, said: “We enjoy working with a range of partners all over the city to offer our customers something different when they visit us. The expansion of the Aberdeen Science Centre pop-up is a perfect example of Bon Accord offering the unexpected to surprise and delight our shoppers.”
Aberdeen Science Centre’s permanent home on Constitution Street, near the beach, has been completely modernised over the past two years as part of a major redevelopment project to create an aspirational science centre which reflects the STEM priorities for both industry and education.
More than 60 new interactive exhibits over two floors await visitors, including The OPITO Theatre of Energy – the UK’s first immersive experience of its kind - and RoboThespian, a chatty humanoid robot sponsored by the centre’s Digital Futures Partner, Equinor.
The exhibits are aimed at all ages and are themed into six new zones: Energy; Space; Life Sciences; Make It, Test It; and a special area for the under-6s, as well as the Shell Learning Zone, where science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are brought to life.
They support ASC’s commitment to inspire a lifelong interest in science, by creating engaging experiences which are fun, informative and educational.
Natural light floods into the building thanks to an exposed roof structure, creating an airy and modern interior, with flexible corporate meeting spaces and a new café operated by Grub.
Aberdeen Science Centre’s £4.7m redevelopment was made possible by generous support and funding from the Inspiring Science Fund – a partnership between the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and Wellcome - with additional funding provided by Opportunity North East (ONE) and Aberdeen City Council.
The project has secured a further £1.5m from funders and sponsors including OPITO, Shell, Equinor, bp, The Robertson Trust, TAQA and CNOOC International to deliver quality exhibits and programmes to enhance the overall visitor experience at the venue, as well through outreach work.
Fundraising is ongoing for future programmes and activities to engage visitors in STEM.
- ASC at Bon Accord is open from Saturday August 7 2021. Admission is free and no booking is needed. For more information, visit www.aberdeensciencecentre.org/