Swiss Science Center Technorama
Switzerland's only science center in Winterthur: over 500 experiment stations, shows, labs and an outdoor park for hands-on exploration.
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About the museum
Its beginnings go back to 1947, when an association was founded with the aim of building a technical museum of Switzerland; the objects collected came mainly from Winterthur and Swiss mechanical engineering companies. In 1969 the foundation “Technorama der Schweiz” was established, and in 1982 the museum opened with a classic exhibition on the history of technology, ranging from steam engines and materials testing equipment to music boxes.
Visitor numbers fell, and in 1985 bankruptcy even loomed. The turnaround came with the 1984 exhibition “Phänomena” and its hands-on exhibits. In 1990 the management decided on a new concept modelled on Anglo-Saxon science centers such as the Exploratorium in San Francisco; by 2000 the Technorama was gradually converted into an interactive science museum. In 2013 it was renamed “Swiss Science Center Technorama”.
In 2003 the Jugendlabor (youth lab), operated by the Canton of Zurich, was incorporated; in 2012 it was expanded to seven labs for biology, chemistry and physics plus a studio. With about 70,000 school students a year, the Technorama is considered the largest out-of-school learning venue in Switzerland. Since April 2021 the outdoor area “Technorama Draussen” with the Wunderbrücke (Wonder Bridge) has been part of it. A renovation and extension under the title “Technorama 2050” is planned for the coming years.
Highlights
- Over 500 experiment stations on three floors – touching is expressly encouraged
- Daily shows, such as the lightning show “Un·fassbare Elektrizität” and the oxygen show
- Labs and workshops on biology, chemistry and physics
- Outdoor park “Technorama Draussen” with the Wunderbrücke (end of March to end of October)
- Collection of tin toy trains
- Open 365 days a year
Permanent exhibitions
- Technorama Draussen – The outdoor park with natural phenomena on a large scale and the Wunderbrücke, open from the end of March to the end of October.
- Strom und Magnete – Electromagnetism to try out: from dancing magnets to currents in your own body.
- Kopfwelten – The exhibition is devoted to human perception, with experiments on seeing, hearing and illusions.
- Founded
- 1982
- Operated by
- Stiftung Swiss Science Center Technorama
- Director
- Remo Besio
Admission & discounts
| Adults | CHF 34 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | CHF 31Apprentices, students and AHV (old-age pension) holders with ID (CHF 3 discount) |
| Children & teens | CHF 21free up to age 5 · Children aged 6 to 15; children aged 0 to 5 have free admission. |
| Seniors | CHF 31AHV with ID |
| Visitors with disabilities | CHF 17companion free · 50% discount on regular day admission with IV card or KulturLegi; cannot be combined with other discounts. |
| Students & apprentices | CHF 31Apprentices and students with ID |
| Groups (10+ people) | CHF 31 per personGroups of 10 or more |
| Families | –“Technorama Plus” discount: CHF 3 less per person for at least two paying children accompanied by one or two adults. |
| Annual pass adults | CHF 110Valid for 365 days from date of payment |
| Annual pass children aged 6–15 | CHF 50 |
| Annual pass family with two adults | CHF 270 |
| Annual pass family with one adult | CHF 160 |
| Annual pass with membership in the SGPT patrons' association | CHF 160 |
| School class (per student) | CHF 19Canton of Zurich and Schaffhausen CHF 14, City of Winterthur CHF 13 (when billed to the school authority) |
| Public workshop (1 p.m.) | CHF 7Tickets at the information desk only |
Accompanying persons of people with disabilities have free admission; so do families and institutions with a Sternschnuppenkarte. The Swiss Museum Pass and the Raiffeisen card are not accepted; admission is possible with the Museumspass Winterthur (2 days, incl. Technorama). Combination offers from SBB RailAway give at least 20% off admission; GEOcard: 2-for-1 ticket.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials
- Audio description
The exhibition and restaurant are wheelchair accessible, and the corresponding toilets are marked. Audio description via the NaviLens app in several exhibitions (Electricity and Magnets, Technorama Draussen, MatheMagie, KopfWelten). A list of exhibits suitable for visually impaired people (standard print, large print, Braille) is available at the ticket desk. Directions in Easy Read language; information on noise levels, epilepsy risk and medical implants on the website. Enquiries: inklusion@technorama.ch.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
- Stroller-friendly
- Baby changing facilities
- Kids’ birthday parties
No age limit; for toddlers the museum especially recommends “Holzmaschinen” (wooden machines), “Licht und Sicht” and “Wasser, Natur, Chaos”. The entire exhibition and restaurant are stroller-friendly, with changing tables in the toilets near the cloakroom. Children's birthday parties for children aged 7 to 15; family menus in the restaurant.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Technorama
By train to Oberwinterthur station (about a 10-minute walk) or by bus 5 from Winterthur to the Technorama stop.
By car
Paid parking
Paid parking in front of the building (CHF 7 per day); eight spaces with charging stations for electric cars (CHF 15 per day). Parking is limited, and the museum recommends arriving by public transport.
By car, five minutes from motorway exit no. 72 (Oberwinterthur) on the A1; follow the signs.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Restaurant
- Museum shop
- Coat check
- Lockers
Restaurant run by ZFV-Unternehmungen with a daily buffet and vegetarian buffet (eating and drinking not permitted in the exhibition), in summer a food trailer in the park and two barbecue areas. Picnic area at the atrium with about 150 seats. Lockers (with deposit) in the entrance area, free mobile phone charging station.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Corporate events
Up to 180 guests.
Seminar rooms (from CHF 250), combination room, auditorium with 146 fixed seats (from CHF 650), foyer of 400 m² (from CHF 490) and pavilion in the park (evenings only, on request). Events also outside opening hours, catering via the restaurant.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | All around 500 experiment stations are labelled in German, French, Italian and English. Shows and workshops are mostly in German according to the daily programme; accompanying texts in four languages are available at the information desk and at the show arenas. The OpenLabs open daily for one hour (no reservation). Children up to 12 years must be accompanied by an adult. Dogs are not allowed in the exhibition, except for marked assistance dogs. |
