Welios Science Center Wels
Science centre in Wels with around 180 hands-on stations on energy, natural science and technology for children and adults.
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About the museum
The foundation for an Upper Austrian science centre was laid in the 1990s by the Federation of Austrian Industries. In cooperation with the city of Wels, the province of Upper Austria and partners from business and education, the idea of an experience centre on the topic of renewable energy emerged. The building near the Wels city centre was designed in ultra-low-energy construction by the Linz architects' team archinauten; the client transferred its tasks to OÖ Science-Center Wels Errichtungs-GmbH. In February 2011 a fire briefly interrupted construction, and on 16 April 2011 the Welios opened.
The house is operated by Welios Betriebs-GmbH. The exhibition is a science playground for all ages and asks where energy can come from in the future and how alternative forms of energy affect everyday life. Visitors try out for themselves how much energy they convert when dancing or how to lift heavy loads with pulleys.
The permanent exhibition is divided into five worlds of experience on about 3,000 square metres with around 180 hands-on stations; some are outdoors. Popular stations include the moon lander, the driver's seat, the thermal imaging camera and the Room of Illusions with 38 stations on optical illusions. In addition there are changing special exhibitions, workshops, science shows and programmes for schools and kindergartens. The house has been awarded the Austrian Ecolabel.
Highlights
- Around 180 hands-on stations on about 3,000 m²
- Five worlds of experience around energy, natural science and technology
- Room of Illusions with 38 stations
- Moon lander, driver's seat and thermal imaging camera
- Science shows, workshops and holiday programme
- The entire building is accessible without barriers
Permanent exhibitions
- Dauerausstellung Welios Science Center – Around 180 hands-on stations in five worlds of experience on energy, natural science and technology, indoors and outdoors.
- Raum der Illusionen – 38 stations on optical illusions and perception, without electronic aids.
- Founded
- 2011
- Operated by
- Welios Betriebs-GmbH
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €14 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €11.50Children and young people (6–19 years), students, pensioners |
| Children & teens | €11.50free up to age 2 · Children and young people aged 6 to 19; ages 3 to 5.9 Zwergerl rate €2. |
| Seniors | €11.50With ID. |
| Visitors with disabilities | –People with disabilities receive a 40% discount on the regular admission prices. |
| Students & apprentices | €11.50With ID. |
| Groups (10+ people) | €12.50 per personGroups of 10 or more: adults €12.50, reduced €10.50 per person. |
| Families | –Family rate: adults €12.50, children aged 6–19 €10.50, Zwergerl rate (ages 3–5.9) €2. With the OÖ Familienkarte, NÖ Familienpass or Salzburger Familienpass adults €11.50, children €8. Cannot be combined with other discounts. |
| Evening ticket adults (1.5 hours before closing) | €7.30Children aged 3 to 5.9 €1. |
| School rate as a class group (per person) | €6Registration required. |
| Annual pass adults | €55 |
| Annual pass reduced (6–19 years, seniors, students) | €45 |
| Annual pass Zwergerl rate (ages 3–5.9) | €15 |
Children under 3 have free admission.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
According to the operator, the entire Welios is accessible without barriers (details in the GINTO Guide). Four accessible parking spaces on the southern Pollheimerstraße near the entrance.
Kids & families
Great for kids & familiesRecommended for ages 4+
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 2 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
A visit is recommended from about age 4; children under 14 only when accompanied by an adult. Family rate, science shows, workshops and holiday programmes.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Wels Messe
Train to Wels Hauptbahnhof, then hourly by train towards Almtal (platform 4, 11 or 12) to the stop Wels Messe. Alternatively, bus line 15 towards Thalheim to Pollheimerstraße or Volksgartenstraße.
By car
Free parking · 5-min walk to the entrance
Free parking behind the Welser Stadthalle and at the exhibition grounds (about 5 minutes on foot), except during trade fairs; the "Blackbox" car park (X-Garden) is next to the Welios. Coach parking 500 m away at the Welser Lokalbahnhof.
- Accessible parking
Take the exit Wels-West and follow the signs towards Welios. In front of the building (Weliosplatz 1) there is a drop-off zone for buses.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
According to the Verbund OÖ Museen, catering in or near the museum.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
Events can be booked at the Welios (page "Dein Event im Welios").
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | In addition to visiting the exhibition, there are workshops and science shows for groups. Groups of 10 or more register in advance; schools, kindergartens and after-school care centres have their own programmes. |
