W5

About the museum

W5 is an interactive science and discovery centre in the Odyssey complex at Queen's Quay in Belfast. It describes itself as having over 250 interactive exhibits in themed zones, and a visit is designed to be hands-on and multi-sensory.

The zones include MED-Lab on the human body and the development of medicines, Energise, where visitors power the exhibits with their own muscle, Making Sense, The Marvellous Machine, In our Nature on the landscapes and wildlife of Northern Ireland, and The Lost Planet, a multisensory zone for ages 3 to 11. A multi-storey climbing structure called Climbit is also part of the centre.

W5 also offers school workshops, an outreach programme, a membership scheme, birthday parties and adults-only evening events.

Highlights

• Over 250 hands-on exhibits in themed zones
• MED-Lab on the human body and medicines
• Climbit multi-storey climbing structure
• The Lost Planet play zone for ages 3 to 11
• Daily live science shows

Permanent exhibitions

• MED-Lab – A zone on the human body and how medicines are developed, created with a pharmaceutical partner.
• The Marvellous Machine – Hands-on exhibits that use cogs, air channels and springs.
• The Lost Planet – A multisensory activity zone for children aged 3 to 11.

Admission & discounts

Prices are shown as "from" prices; online pre-booking is required. The ticket is valid from entry time until closing and visitors may leave and re-enter on the same day.

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

Entry is at street level and two lifts serve all levels. There are accessible toilets in public areas, and the ground-floor accessible toilet has an adult-sized changing facility with a hoist (visitors bring their own sling). A hearing loop is available at the ticket desk and, on request, in the Lecture Theatre. Blue Badge bays are in The O2 Belfast car park and the small car park at the rear. A Quiet Session runs every four to six weeks, and a Quiet Room is on the second floor.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

The Lost Planet is a soft-play and multisensory zone for ages 3 to 11, and Climbit is a multi-storey climbing structure. A buggy park is available. Birthday parties are for children aged 6 and over (minimum 8 children), at weekends.

Getting there & parking

W5 is less than a mile from Belfast city centre on foot.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Lockers

Coffee Lab cafés serve sandwiches, hot snacks, cakes and drinks, with a picnic area on Level 1 for food bought there. Coin-operated lockers (£1, returned) are on the ground floor and Level 2, and there is a gift shop.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Up to 200 guests.

Meeting and conference spaces include a 200-seat Lecture Theatre, the Point Boardroom, seminar rooms and W5 LIFE meeting rooms; weddings and private events are not mentioned.

Plan your visit