Questacon celebrates 25th anniversary

Saturday 23 November marks the 25th anniversary of Questacon - The National Science and Technology Centre.

Australia’s first interactive science centre opened its doors to the public on 23 November 1988 as a joint Australia-Japan Bicentennial Project. Japan contributed half the $19.64 m construction cost as a gift to Australia.

The multiaward-winning tourist attraction features eight galleries with over 200 interactive exhibits. It also delivers outreach programs, travelling exhibitions and digital videoconference sessions that reach into schools and communities nationwide.

“Over 26 million people have interacted with our programs and exhibitions, and we’ve delivered over 100 million hours of inspiring science experiences,” said Questacon Director Professor Graham Durant. “We’ve reached into remote Australian outback towns and large cities in Vietnam, Taiwan and Brunei.”

Questacon will tomorrow be celebrating its 25 years of achievements with a public birthday party, featuring a range of activities between 10 am and 5 pm.

“Visitors can participate in a water rocket race or be blown away by a 25-hydrogen balloon salute,” said Professor Durant. “We’ll be making ice-cream with liquid nitrogen and even exploding our own birthday cake.”

The event program is available here. Those who are unable to attend can still share their memories of Questacon on Twitter using the hashtag #Q25.

“We’re very proud of our achievements in our first 25 years, but our job of inspiring tomorrow’s scientists is as important as ever to ensure Australia keeps moving forward,” said Professor Durant.

“We’ll also continue to support the development and growth of science centres throughout the Asia-Pacific region by sharing our knowledge, skills and experience.

“We’re looking forward to the next 25 years being as big and bright as the first.”