We continue discovering our city by talking about another important cultural center: the Ontario Science Centre, a scientific museum on the side of the Don River owned by the province’s government. It is one of the main scientific and cultural centers as well as one of the attractions of greatest interest for tourists. In fact, it is included in the Toronto Spotlight list of promotions. It is open every day: from Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm, on Saturdays until 7pm while on Sundays and holidays it closes at 5pm. The structure is totally accessible and without architectural barriers. And it provide guests with special needs or neurological disorder with services that help them in the visit. So, let’s go to know its history and discover all the opportunities it offers to those who intend to study or simply spend a day here.
Inspire passion for discovery
Its mission is “to inspire passion for the human adventure of discovery“, as stated on the official website. Therefore, those who seek to satisfy their hunger for adventure and knowledge cannot avoid visiting it. In addition to themed and temporary exhibitions, the Ontario Science Centre has fixed exhibits, both passive and interactive. The topics are geology, astronomy, natural sciences, but also anatomy and technology. And then music and communication. There is Cohon Family Nature Escape, an open-air exhibition behind the building located in the valley of the Don River. Living Earth emulates some natural environments, from coral reefs to river forests. It seems to be catapulted into another world.
And how can we not mention the Space Hall? It houses meteorites from Mars and even a moon rock. And the Planetarium? The one present in this section of the museum is the only public and operational one in Toronto. Among the new installations are Mindworks a journey into the mind and the psychological sphere. And Life of the Earth, Death of the Sun switch from showing life on earth, environmental destruction and extinction of animal and plant life, to reflecting on mortality, on our place within the universe.
The Ontario Science Centre exhibitions and shows
There have also been many and very prestigious temporary exhibitions. In 2010, props from the Harry Potter film series were exhibited. The following year, however, physical models of the inventions as well as interactive and digital reproductions of Leonardo da Vinci‘s creations were on display. However, temporary exhibitions range from theme to theme. The subject of a 2003 exhibition was the history of video games, for example. Canada 150: Discovery Way is the title of a 2017 exhibition. On the occasion of Canada’s 150th anniversary, the centre put on display models, inventions and innovations all made in Canada. Then, every day, there are shows on innovations and scientific discoveries.
And much, much more
There is also a movie theater inside the Ontario Science Centre. IMAX Dome Films houses a fantastic and stunning 13,000 watt dome screen. Every day shows and films, all with a scientific theme are scheduled.
In addition, the science school attached to the centre offers university preparation courses in scientific subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics, calculus, scientific communication. And in addition to the theoretical courses, OSCSS students also have the opportunity to practice on the field.
Construction of the Ontario Science Centre
The foundation stone was laid in 1966. Its construction, following the plans of the architect Raymonf Mariyama, was planned to be completed in 1967. The centre was to be officially inaugurated on the occasion of the Canadian centenary. But actually it didn’t open for another two years. It was inaugurated, under the name of the Centennial Ontario Science and Technology Museum in 1969. The result was a building complex consisting of three buildings interconnected by bridges and escalators. A centre that immediately distinguished itself in the museological context precisely for its inclination to interactivity, to the desire of an active and not merely passive spectator.
The core of the structure merge into the Great Hall, the event hall at the center of which Cloud is located. A kinetic sculpture, controlled by a computer, formed by blue and transparent squares that move and rotate to simulate the states of matter. In 2001 a major modernization, renovation and expansion project begun, and it ended six years later. The Teluscape Exploration Plaza came to life thanks to this exciting restructuring plan. Interactive exhibitions are also held in this outdoor area. In the center FUNtain Aquatic Play designed by Steve Mann stands. It is not a simple fountain, nor a simple pipe organ, as the shape suggests. It is a fusion between the two: a fountain, with 57 jets of water, which sounds like an organ by sealing up the jets. The Ontario Science Centre inspires wonder from the outside.
Featured image: Ph: David Ceballos – Licence: CC BY 2.0