Aberdeen Science Centre
Hands-on science centre in a former tram depot in Aberdeen, with over 65 interactive exhibits, shows, workshops and a zone for under-6s.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Aberdeen Science Centre began as Satrosphere. The idea came in 1985 from the North Scotland Science and Technology Regional Organisation, and the centre opened on 15 February 1990 in premises on Justice Mill Lane, funded by the regional council and public donations. In 2001 it moved to a former tram depot on Constitution Street, close to Aberdeen beach, and in 2016 it took its present name.
The centre closed in November 2018 for a major refurbishment that included a new mezzanine floor, working in the meantime from temporary premises on George Street. It reopened in 2020 and was formally reopened in October 2021 by the Astronomer Royal for Scotland, Catherine Heymans.
Today it is an educational charity with more than 65 hands-on exhibits arranged in themed zones: The Wall, Energy, Space, Life Sciences, Make It, Test It and a zone for children under six. Visitors can join live shows, workshops and seasonal events, and the centre runs a programme of school and home-education sessions, birthday parties and venue hire. Grub, the on-site café, serves food and drink.
Highlights
- More than 65 hands-on exhibits, none behind glass
- The Wall, an active game-style zone
- Energy zone with the OPITO Theatre of Energy
- Under 6s zone for younger children
- Make It and Test It zones for building and experiments
- Changing Places toilet and sensory space
Permanent exhibitions
- Science zones – Hands-on zones on energy, space and life sciences, including a theatre of energy, let visitors press, pull and experiment.
- The Wall – An active, game-style zone that links science with movement, reactions and problem-solving.
- Under 6s Zone – A gentler area with sensory play, puzzles, sounds and colours for toddlers and young children.
- Founded
- 1990
- Operated by
- Aberdeen Science Centre (educational charity)
Admission & discounts
| Visitors with disabilities | –companion free · Visitors who need support from a carer can get a free carer ticket from reception on showing proof of eligibility, such as an Access Card or an official letter. |
|---|---|
| STEM Passport (12 months of unlimited visits) | –Sold at the centre; passport holders still need to book in advance. |
Tickets are sold for a chosen date through the online booking page, which shows the current prices. Ticket prices include an optional donation, and the centre can claim Gift Aid on the whole amount for UK taxpayers. Carer tickets are issued at reception, not online.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The centre has ramps and lift access to all floors. Accessible toilets have emergency alarms, and a Changing Places facility near reception is open to anyone who needs it (visitors bring their own sling). Accessible parking bays are on a first come, first served basis. An induction loop is available at reception and in the gift shop. Assistance dogs are welcome and a water bowl is provided on request. A visual story helps visitors prepare, a sensory space offers a calmer place to take a break, and a sensory box and sensory kits with fiddle toys and ear defenders can be borrowed from reception.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 2.5 hrs |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
- Stroller-friendly
- Baby changing facilities
- Playground / play area
- Kids’ birthday parties
There is a zone for under-6s with sensory play, puzzles and sounds. The programme includes Wee Wonderers, a weekly session for ages 2 to 5, plus holiday and seasonal events. Birthday party packages are offered for children aged 5 to 10. Baby changing rooms, buggy storage, breastfeeding-friendly spaces and a private breastfeeding room on request are provided.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
The centre is served by several local bus routes with stops within walking distance; check the bus operators for current routes and timetables. It is about a 20-minute walk from Aberdeen city centre.
By car
Free parking
Free on-site car park; visitors must register their vehicle at the entrance on arrival. Spaces are first come, first served, and there are two electric vehicle charging points. On-street parking is also available nearby.
- Accessible parking
Cycle parking is available on site.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
- Coat check
- Lockers
Grub is the on-site café serving breakfast, lunch, drinks, snacks and a children's menu. The gift shop sells souvenirs, books and learning resources. An unmanned cloakroom has lockers, and there is a first aid room.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Corporate events
Meeting rooms (Neutron and Proton, which can be combined) and whole-centre hire are available, with catering from Grub.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The centre suggests allowing about 2 to 3 hours. There is no fixed route, so visitors can move around freely. Curriculum-linked workshops and group visits can be booked for schools, nurseries, uniform and community groups, and home-education sessions combine a one-hour workshop with time on the exhibition floor. |
