Science World

Science World occupies the geodesic dome at the eastern end of False Creek, one of the most recognisable buildings on the Vancouver skyline. The dome was built in 1984 and 1985 as the Expo Centre for Expo 86, designed by the fair's chief architect Bruno Freschi with Buckminster Fuller's domes in mind. After the fair, a fundraising campaign raised $19.1 million to add a new wing, redesign the interior and build exhibits. A four-month preview in 1988 drew more than 310,000 people, and Science World opened on 6 May 1989. For several years it carried the TELUS name; that agreement ended in 2020.

Inside, the galleries are arranged by theme and age. Eureka! covers physics, Bodyworks looks at the human body, Search: Sara Stern Gallery deals with natural history, and the Tinkering Space is for building and invention. Our World: BMO Sustainability Gallery is aimed at older children, and Puzzles and Illusions suits those aged eight and up. Wonder is set aside for children up to five. A Feature Exhibition gallery hosts travelling shows, and there are several labs, including the Dyson Innovation Lab.

Live shows are a big part of a visit. The Peter Brown Family Centre Stage hosts theatrical science demonstrations, the Science Theatre has free seated shows, and the OMNIMAX Theatre, with 400 seats in the upper part of the dome, shows giant-screen films. Outside, the Ken Spencer Science Park, opened in 2012, covers urban ecology and gardening and is open when the weather allows.

Science World works best for families with children of school age and under, and it is an easy fallback on a rainy day. Plan on at least half a day if you want to see a show and an OMNIMAX film as well as the galleries. Check the website for opening hours and film times before you go, as they are not fixed through the year.

Food is available at Triple O's restaurant and the Snack Lab, and there is a public lunchroom if you bring your own. A coat room helps with wet-weather gear, and the Kaleidoscope store sells science toys and souvenirs. The building stands at the end of False Creek, the inlet that the seawall path follows on its way round from Stanley Park, so it is easy to reach on foot or by bike along the water.