The new Science Centre will offer unique facilities and a wide range of programmes for all ages to drive STEM education in Singapore.
New Science Centre Set To Open In 2027, Just Next To Chinese Garden MRT
The new Science Centre will be located next to Chinese Garden MRT station, and is set to be a key landmark attraction of the Jurong Lake District. The approximately 55,000 sqm building, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects in collaboration with Architects 61 Pte Ltd, will be developed over a site of about 7.4 hectares, and will be about 25% larger than the current Centre. Construction works are slated to commence in the first half of 2024, and the new Science Centre is targeted to open around end-2027, the year of its 50th anniversary.
Here's taking a closer look at what you and your family can look forward to at the new Science Centre:
New KidsSTOP To Double Its Current Size
The new Science Centre will be equipped with the latest technologies to provide immersive learning experiences for visitors of all ages. The new KidsSTOP, which will be more than twice its current size, will feature hands-on, interactive exhibits that encourage exploration for young children. The Centre will also work with partners to prototype exhibitions and programmes that will enable parents to play a bigger role in facilitating their child’s exploration of various educational activities.
More Dialogues On Real-World Issues
To cater to the interests of youths and adults, the Science Centre plans to foster more dialogues on real-world issues such as sustainability and climate change, as well as emerging technologies like generative Artificial Intelligence through workshops, exhibitions, and seminars.
Introduction Of More New Concepts & Ideas
The Science Centre will also test-bed new concepts and ideas to provide a more novel experience for visitors. For example, the Centre has experimented with concepts beyond science, such as the Comic Art and Sci Fi Expo in September 2023. Visitors will be able to look forward to more of such offerings with a unique scientific perspective at the Centre.
Fire Tornado Show at Outdoor Amphitheatre
The Science Centre’s fire tornado show will be more spectacular at its new
home at the Outdoor Amphitheatre, and will be open to the public.
Curated Nature Trails & Programmes
The new Science Centre will serve as the heart of the community, integrated with the surrounding landscape, with lush gardens and spaces for all to enjoy. Members of the public will have the opportunity to interact with science exhibits along curated nature trails, and also enjoy and explore the secondary forest through the lens of science. There will be exciting opportunities for the Science Centre to co-develop learning trails and programmes with the National Parks Board (NParks), national water agency PUB, and nature groups.
Idyllic Views Of Jurong Lake & The Surrounding Gardens
Visitors will get to enjoy the idyllic views of Jurong Lake and the surrounding gardens, i.e.,:
- through the large windows of the building,
- as they stroll along the 30-m wide outdoor activity plaza linking Chinese Garden MRT station to the Jurong Lake promenade, or
- from the rooftop gardens.
More New Public Spaces Available
- The rooftop garden above the easternmost block will be an event space available for public booking.
Photo Credits: Science Centre Board
- Visitors can also enjoy stargazing at the Observatory at night.
From 2024, visitors will be invited to engage in an immersive virtual reality (VR) experience of the new Science Centre and view a physical 3D model of the new Centre, which will be hosted at the current Science Centre. Exhibitions allowing Singaporeans to experience potential offerings at the new Science Centre have been displayed at some schools this year, and will be roving across selected public libraries during the upcoming school holidays.
