Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre
Australian Capital Territory
Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre is a leading interactive science museum located in Canberra, Australia. It hosts more than 200 exhibits that engage visitors with science and technology through hands-on experiences. The centre is renowned for its diverse galleries, including ZAP! CLANK! POW!, which explores magnets, machines, electricity, and motion; Awesome Earth, focusing on natural disasters and geology; and MiniQ, designed specifically for young children. Questacon also features a dynamic science theatre where the in-house troupe, the Excited Particles, performs educational shows and puppet theatre. The centre's outdoor Science Garden includes the NKRYPT sculpture installation, a unique laser-etched puzzle commemorating Canberra's centenary. Beyond its physical location, Questacon runs extensive outreach programs across Australia, such as the Questacon Science Circus, which brings science education to remote communities and schools. With around 500,000 visitors annually, Questacon is a vital institution promoting scientific literacy and curiosity nationwide.
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Tip: For the best experience, visit Questacon during weekdays to avoid weekend crowds, especially during school holidays. Advance booking is recommended for group visits and school excursions. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. Don't miss the live science shows and interactive workshops, which provide engaging learning opportunities for all ages.
Interesting facts
- •Questacon's name combines 'quest' meaning 'to discover' and 'con' meaning 'to study'.
- •The current building was a gift from Japan for Australia's 1988 Bicentenary, contributing half of its capital cost.
- •The NKRYPT outdoor sculpture features encoded messages and was installed to celebrate Canberra's centenary in 2013.
- •Questacon's Science Circus outreach program travels over 25,000 kilometres annually, engaging more than 100,000 people.
- •The Excited Particles theatre troupe performs educational science shows and puppet theatre for children at the centre.
History
Questacon originated as a project of the Australian National University, beginning in a small space at Ainslie Public School with just 15 exhibits.
It was inspired by the Exploratorium in San Francisco and was founded by Professor Mike Gore AM, who became its first director.
The current Questacon building was a gift from Japan for Australia's 1988 Bicentenary, funded jointly by the Japanese government and businesses.
Since opening in 1988, Questacon has expanded its galleries and outreach programs significantly, becoming a national hub for science education.
Leadership has evolved over time, with the current director, Jo White, appointed in 2022.
Place Guide
ZAP! CLANK! POW! Gallery
This gallery explores the fundamentals of magnets, machines, electricity, and motion through interactive exhibits that demonstrate physical science principles.
Awesome Earth Gallery
Focused on natural disasters and geology, this gallery includes a Tesla coil and an earthquake simulator to illustrate Earth's dynamic processes.
MiniQ Gallery
Designed for children aged 0 to 6, MiniQ offers age-appropriate interactive zones including water play, construction areas, and quiet spaces for early childhood exploration.
Science Theatre
Home to the Excited Particles troupe, the theatre hosts live science presentations and puppet shows that engage audiences of all ages with entertaining educational content.
NKRYPT Sculpture Installation2013
An outdoor exhibit consisting of eight laser-etched stainless steel poles featuring encoded messages, installed in 2013 to mark Canberra's centenary.
Contact
Phone: (02) 6270 2800
