Techniquest

A pioneer of hands-on science

Techniquest began in 1986, founded by Professor John Beetlestone and colleagues from Cardiff University, and opened with 48 exhibits. Its Cardiff Bay building opened in 1995 as the UK's first purpose-built science discovery centre. Today it runs as an independent educational charity and is marking forty years of hands-on learning.

Inside

Three floors of interactive exhibits let children push, pull, build and test ideas rather than read about them. Alongside the exhibits are live shows in the science theatre, star tours in the planetarium and workshops in the KLA Lab, such as slime-making sessions. Relaxed sessions are scheduled for visitors who prefer a calmer environment. The exhibits are designed to be handled, so younger children can explore at their own pace while older ones try the trickier puzzles and experiments. Check the day's timetable on arrival so you can plan around the shows and planetarium sessions, which run at set times through the day.

Making a day of it

Buy tickets online in advance, then allow a few hours. Techniquest is a short walk from the rest of Cardiff Bay, so you can add the Wales Millennium Centre, the Senedd or the Norwegian Church afterwards, and finish with a stroll along the waterfront.

Highlights

• Over 100 interactive exhibits on three floors
• Planetarium star tours and live science shows
• UK's first purpose-built science discovery centre (1995)
• Short walk to the Cardiff Bay waterfront

Good to know

• Tickets are bought online; prices are on the opening times page.
• Relaxed sessions are offered for visitors who need a quieter visit.

Frequently asked questions