Calgary Telus Spark Science Centre
Telus Spark is a place for visitors of all ages, with many family-friendly interactive exhibits that open the mind to exploring science and technology. It is the largest most innovative science museum in western Canada. Spark has over 400,000 visitors annually who learn and experience all things science, technology, engineering, and math-related. The museum houses a 360-degree dome-shaped theater; so take in a movie, try laying on a bed of nails, drinking from the toilet water fountain, or experiencing the live planetarium; these are just a few of the exhibits to
visit.
The Calgary Centennial Planetarium was built in 1967. A large expansion and a nine million dollar donation from Telus Corporation saw the new Telus Spark Science Centre open in 2011. Spark opened with a mandate “to integrate creativity and art into the ways people engage with math, engineering, technology, and science .”
Spark has many fun galleries to experience. Come out rain or shine to play in the Brainium gallery. It is a massive outdoor playground that features a 36-foot tower to climb with a 63-foot tube to slide down, or figure out the six-seat teeter-totter mechanics or scale a giant molecule model. Another favourite is the 10,000 square-foot Creative Kids gallery that contains a water play area, climbing structure, a maker space, a mini theatre, a reading corner, a stimulating crawling trench for toddlers, or make music on the bubble piano. The exhibits are sure to stimulate all the senses!
Telus Spark is home to the Dome, western Canada’s largest domed movie screen. The theatre is three stories high, 21 metres across, and features a 360-degree surround experience. The Dome features films such as Superpower Dogs and Pandas The Journey Home. It also hosts live planetarium shows. A Spark admission includes all shows in the Dome.
The Energy and Innovation gallery exhibits different forms of energy and how they are used in society. The Earth and Sky gallery explores meteorology, astronomy, and geology. The Being Human gallery shows the workings of human physiology. The Open Studio demonstrates to youth the use of technology in art.
The Spark Store is available for visitors to purchase all things scientific. Pick up a souvenir from a collection of toys, home decor, glassware, or jewelry. The Spark Eatery provides home-cooked meals or grab and go selections when hunger hits. There is a Lunch Landing Zone for those who want to enjoy an outdoor picnic or snack.
The Telus Spark Science Centre has earned the LEED Gold certification, meaning Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It uses greywater in the toilets, toxin-free cleaners wherever possible, and has solar panels on the roof, all of which are more environmentally efficient and innovative.
Spark is home to amazing galleries but offers much more! It provides digital multi-media, maker workshops, many school programs, youth programs, sleepovers, birthday parties, and various science and art camps. It is a “not for profit” organization that empowers community education. Telus Spark is a fabulous way to spend a day in Calgary!
Check out the Calgary Zoo which is in Calgary AB too.
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