Eureka! tackles STEM with new Science + Discovery Centre

Eureka! Science + Discovery Centre in Seacombe, UK has opened its doors to the public.

The attraction is the second in the Eureka! family, following the opening of the original and much loved Eureka! The National Children’s Museum in Halifax in 1992.

Using interactive and immersive exhibits and attractions, the new £12m centre is dedicated to helping young people explore science stories and bring STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) subjects to life.

Eureka! Science + Discovery’s founding partner is renewable energy company Ørsted, and the project is funded primarily by £6.4m from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s (LCRC) Strategic Investment Fund.

Further investments have come from a £3m award from the Inspiring Science Fund, a £0.5m grant by Wirral Council and private donations.

Located in the former Spaceport building at Seacombe ferry, the centre is expected to attract almost 200,000 visitors a year.

Aimed primarily at six to 14-year-olds, the centre also houses an additional area dedicated to the 0-5 years age group.

Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram said: “We approved a £6.4m grant to help bring Eureka! to the banks of the Mersey because we recognised what a fantastic addition it will be to our city region and its world-class museums.

"Eureka!’s focus on STEM subjects will spark children’s interest in these essential areas, and their collaborative work with local businesses and community groups ties in perfectly with our city region’s growth sectors.”

The attraction’s internal designs were created by K2 Architects, with Real Studios being responsible for exhibition design.

Exhibition areas within the centre include Bodies, Homes, Nature, The Burrows and Make and Create.

The Bodies will allow children to walk through a pair of lungs and study a “supersized brain” while exploring what would happen if a body is turned inside out.

The Homes area will encourage children to think differently about the everyday, posing questions such as “what is it for, why is it made like that, how does it work, would I do it differently”.

The centrepiece of the Home Zone is a 12-ft tall structure of a friendly feline, which will help guests discover the truth behind a cats’ nine lives, learn what a pet cat’s meows, growls, hisses, and chirrups actually mean.