 A unit of the National Council of Science Museums, the Science city is a creation in the heart of Kolkata, personifying the scientific revolution that has engulfed the city. One of the most popular tourist spots in Kolkata, the Science City was established in the year 1997 on 1st July. This centre was inaugurated by two parts: the ‘Convention Centre Complex’ which was unveiled on 21st December 1996 by Paul Jozef Crutzen in presence of the then chief minister Jyoti Basu and the whole centre was opened by the then prime minister Inder Kumar Gujral on 1st July, 1997. On 10th January 2010, prime minister of India, Manmohan Singh laid the foundation stone for the second phase of Science City in presence of the then chief minister of West Bengal, Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee.
Purpose of Science City Development in science and technology has been one of the primary aims of the government after the termination of the colonial rule in India. When the British left there were huge losses of wealth and mankind that the nation suffered that delayed the country's progress. With time the Indian government has been successful in implementing plans for its enhancement and a consciousness among the people. The Science City provides the apt environment for recreation and education situated at the crossing of the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass and Park Circus. Galleries of Science City The Science City building was constructed on a vast expanse of land, which charms the visitors with its greenery and beautiful flower gardens. Dynamotion: This large spiral shaped building has a great collection of interactive exhibits on physical science and the energy ball exhibit complement the building of unique architecture. Here, you can make a soap bubble float in air, create music while walking on the floor piano, move a floating ball, make a large dish float in air or peep into a well of infinite depth. Power of Ten: This new panel based exhibition reveals the secret of the universe. Visitors can compare by merely looking at the displays, the size of the objects as they go to higher and lower scales of measurement. Illusions: This section shows some apparently impossible looking pictures and visuals. How motion and placement makes a difference in visual perception can be seen and experimented with the help of computer based activity. Life in Water: The 40-tank aquaria with fish of exotic varieties in their natural underwater environment give an opportunity to discover the natural life of fish. Space Odyssey: This gives a thrilling voyage to the universe. This facility has a variety of exhibits on space science, spinning platform, Van-de-Graaff generator, Mirror Magic and interactive multimedia kiosk on solar system. It also has the Space Theatre, Time Machine, 3D Theatre.  Time Machine: This motion simulator synchronizes an Audio – Visual Presentation with the motion of the capsule. The simulator capsule accommodates 30 visitors and has six degree of motion, making horizontal pitches, longitudinal rolls and vertical lifts.
Mirror Magic: This section exhibits the physical principles behind images. A mirror maze provides a real puzzle to the visitors. Head on a platter, curving tunnel, float in the air, infinite train etc. are some of the exhibits that one has to see and experience to believe. 3D Vision Theatre: Digital technology offers immense avenues to present images with extraordinary variety. In this theatre Polaroid based stereo projection creates 3 dimensional effects. The show gives an immersive experience with the help of special Polaroid spectacles. Space Theatre: In this dome theatre, through the Astro-vision 70 large format film projection system, viewers are wrapped with images of unsurpassed sizes which induce an amazing sense of involvement. It is a unique experience which, one has to witness to believe. The theatre also present planetarium shows using GSS Helios star field projection system housed inside the theatre. Butterfly Enclave: Here one can see varieties of colourful live butterflies. In this enclave, butterflies move from one plant to another primarily in search of nectar from flowers. They also fly to hoist plant for laying eggs, which is used as food for the emerging larvae. Culturally, butterflies are a popular motif in the visual and literary arts. Watching them in action is highly educative and a wonderful experience. Maritime Centre: A permanent pavilion within Science City, developed in collaboration with the Kolkata Port Trust depicts India’s remarkable maritime history and activity. The exposition is housed in a ship shaped building having a build up area of around 700 square meters. The Maritime Centre also displays interesting exhibits on maritime activity, replicas, scaled models and precious artefacts. An unmanned quiz corner supplements the exhibition. Musical Fountain: A fully computerized fountain with water jets synchronized with music and lights, is a feast to the senses while one relaxes. Picnic Garden: In Science City, visitors are allowed to bring their own food. It has got a picnic area meant for this purpose where visitors in groups can relax and enjoy in a lush green environment. Outdoor Science Park: This outdoor exposition comprises of a children play corner, caterpillar ride, and gravity coaster, musical fountain, road train, cable cars, monorail cycle, butterfly nursery and a plethora of exhibits on physical science, which are placed alongside a maze amidst a lush green ambience. The park offers an ideal free choice learning environment. Evolution Park Theme Tour: The Evolution Park Theme Tour spread over an area of 1300 square meter is a journey back to early age of evolution of life on Earth. The recreated and almost realistic ambiance gives one the knowledge on evolutionary phases of life and glimpses of those gigantic extinct animals of the past. The exhibition, broadly divided into seven period settings, ends with the story of advent of the Modern Man. Earth Exploration Hall: The exposition offers a platform where visitors can learn about all aspects of the planet Earth – its creation and evolution, physical events that occur due to the location of the Earth in the solar system, geology, geography, ecology, biodiversity and various other phenomena related to the planet. The gallery is set up in a dome shaped building with a diameter of 25m. The exhibition addresses issues concerned to environment and ecology, global climate change and natural disasters with adequate scientific explanation for general awareness and understanding. Convention Centre Complex: This is fully air conditioned Convention Centre complex comprising a Seminar Hall building with 11 halls, the grand theatre with about 2,232 seating capacity and one mini auditorium with the seating capacity of 392. Visiting Information on Science City The nearest railway station is the Sealdah station at a distance of 5 km from Science City and the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport is at a distance of 16 km from Science City. |
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