Ontario Science Center

The Ontario Science Center describes its mission as one to “delight, inform and challenge visitors through engaging and thought provoking experiences in science and technology.” The center seems to have hit the nail on the head by following its mission – presenting visitors with one of the most unique complexes in the Canada where everything is presented in an innovative and creative way. As a result, more than 1.2 million people walk through the doors of this center each year to experience science in a way that they have never seen it before.

History of the Ontario Science Center

In 1964, the Ontario government commissioned architect Raymond Moriyama to design a science center to celebrate Canada’s Centennial. The Ontario Science Center was officially opened in September 1969 and caught the attention of the mainstream media two months later when the complex was used by John Lennon and Yoko Ono to hold a press conference.

During the 1970s, an outreach program was initiated to reach smaller communities in North America and the first world crafts exhibition (In Praise of Hands) was held in 1974.

The 80s was an exciting decade for the Science Center. 1.5 million visitors attended the China: 7,000 Years of Discovery exhibition in 1982, while the Food Show exhibition became a smash hit in 1986. A Sports Hall was opened in 1988, with an indoor rain forest environment opening in the Living Earth Hall in 1993, followed by an IMAX theater in 1996. Kidspark opened in 2003 and was doubled in size again in 2005 due to the immense popularity of the attraction.

In 2006, a $40 million initiative, entitled Agents of Change, transformed 30% of the public spaces in the Ontario Science Center and launched an exciting new future for the center.

Things to See and Experience at the Ontario Science Center

The Ontario Science Center is made up of several smaller centers that explore science in different ways.

Some of the highlights of the Center include:

• The Western Family Innovation Center: Made up of more than fifty dynamic science experiences, this center is directed to the 14 – 24 year old age group and allows youngsters to explore science like never before. From designing footwear to mixing music on a wall, the Western Family Innovation Center encourages youngsters to think ‘beyond the box’ and brings science literally to their fingertips.
• The Telluscape: A green feature created outside the Ontario Science Center to encourage visitors and neighbors to explore the outdoors among walkways that take them through indigenous plantings and a wetland. Visitors can delight in FUNtain – an ingenious musical art creation or simply soak in the smell and experiences of nature, far from the hustle and bustle of an otherwise densely populated area. The Telluscape is open 24/7 and is accessible free of charge.
• The Link Between Art and Science: To hit home the point of how much science is part of our everyday lives and even affects the way artists work, the Ontario Science Center showcases three installations that explore the relationship between science, art and technology. These include the FUNtain described above; a kinetic artwork that represents change in the world by Canadian artist David Rokeby, entitled ‘Cloud’; and a sculpture depicting a meandering river by Stacey Levy, entitled ‘Lotic Meander’.
• Kidspark: A space where children from toddler age to around eight years old are given the chance to explore and develop their ‘inner scientist’ in a creative and supportive environment. Kidspark runs regular parent/tot meetings, workshops and learning sessions.

Ontario Science Center

The Ontario Science Center is a unique concept that brings the idea of science down to simple, hands-on levels, allowing children and adults of all ages to explore the wonders of the scientific world. Changing exhibitions keep the material fresh and interesting against the backdrop of one of the most beautiful and innovative science centers in the world.

Location: 770 Don Mills Road (at the corner of Eglinton Avenue East), Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Phone: 416-696-1000
Toll Free: 1-888-696-1110
Email: call_centre@osc.on.ca.

Click here to visit Ontario Science Center official website