Science centre announces new exhibit for 30th anniversary

As part of its 30th-anniversary celebration on Tuesday, the Saskatchewan Science Centre announced it will soon feature a new exhibit that explores the science of happiness.

“Mental health and mental wellness is really an important topic in our community and we saw an opportunity to do something that would be fun and light,” said Sandy Baumgartner, the centre’s CEO.

Baumgartner said the exhibit is an opportunity to get people talking about the subject.

“We’re creating a series of selfie moments where visitors will be able to come in and just take a picture … things that bring joy to an individual’s visit,” she said.

“(It) will provide a backdrop for us to have very informal conversations whether it be through talks or casual visits with people that deal with mental wellness in the community.”

The goal is to make the exhibit one that would travel to other venues, possibly other science centres. The science centre is aiming to have the exhibit open around the May long weekend.

To celebrate its 30th birthday, the centre charged $6 admission — the price back in 1989.

More than 200,000 people walk through the doors each year and Baumgartner said employees at the centre are constantly meeting people with careers in science and technology who first got their start with a visit to the attraction.

She said one young visitor became a science teacher, then a pilot who flew with the Snowbirds. Also, one current astronaut paid the science centre a visit at one point, Baumgartner said.

“We never know where these kids are going to be. They might look like they’re just having fun, which is what we want them to do. But every opportunity to be at the science centre is a learning experience whether the children and the parents know it,” Baumgartner said.

According to a news release, other plans for the milestone include renewing the science centre’s “signature experiences” — Richardson Ag-grow land, Wild Saskatchewan and Building Connections. The science centre is also planning a 1980s-themed dance party in the fall.

As well, the IMAX Theatre will also screen Christopher Nolan feature films over the summer. Adding digital projection is also being considered.