Xplore!

About the museum

Xplore! began in April 2003 as Techniquest@NEWI on the campus of the North East Wales Institute of Higher Education in Wrexham. It was later known as Techniquest Glyndŵr and was renamed Xplore! in January 2020. The centre is an educational charity and a subsidiary of Wrexham University.

In 2020 it moved to a new home in the city centre, in the former T. J. Hughes department store on Henblas Street. The relocated centre opened its doors on 3 October 2020. Xplore! describes itself as the premier science discovery centre in North Wales and attracts families, tourists, community groups and school groups, with more than 70,000 visitors a year.

The main hall holds more than 85 hands-on exhibits that invite visitors to experiment and test how the world works. General admission includes a live science show in the theatre and entry to the planetarium on the first floor. The centre also runs school workshops in English and Welsh, holiday clubs, birthday parties, nature and forest school sessions, and has a cafe and a science shop that are open to the public without an entrance ticket.

Highlights

• More than 85 hands-on science exhibits
• Live science show included with admission
• Planetarium on the first floor
• Cafe and science shop open to everyone
• Sensory-friendly features including a low light area and a Changing Places toilet

Permanent exhibitions

• Interactive science exhibits – More than 85 hands-on exhibits that let visitors of all ages experiment with science, together with a live science show in the theatre.
• Planetarium – A planetarium on the first floor with presenter-led space shows and tours of the night sky; entry is included with general admission.

Founded

2003

Operated by

North Wales Science Ltd (subsidiary of Wrexham University)

Admission & discounts

General admission is available at weekends and in Wrexham school holidays and includes more than 85 interactive exhibits, a live science show and the planetarium. Ticket prices include a 10% charitable donation. Registered carers are free. Annual members receive a 10% discount in the shop.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

There is level access through both main entrance doors and a lift to the first floor, where the planetarium is. A hearing loop covers the entrance and reception areas. Facilities include a wheelchair and buggy park, visitor lockers, a low light area, two gender-neutral accessible toilets and a fully accessible Changing Places toilet. Fidget bags with ear defenders can be borrowed free at the ticket desk. The planetarium has two dedicated wheelchair spaces with flexible seating for companions, adjustable sound levels and ear defenders to borrow. The centre recognises the sunflower lanyard scheme, and a full access statement and social stories are available on the website. Assistance dogs are welcome.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities
• Kids’ birthday parties

The centre is designed for families, with a buggy park and baby changing facilities. Birthday parties cost £17.50 per child with food or £13.50 without food and include entry, a hosted workshop and an annual membership for the birthday child. Holiday clubs and toddler days run during the year.

Getting there & parking

The centre has two entrances, one on Henblas Street and one on Chester Street, across the road from Tŷ Pawb. From the A483 leave at junction 6 and take the A5152 into the city centre.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Lockers

The cafe is open to everyone without an entrance ticket and serves hot food such as pizzas and jacket potatoes from 11:00 to 14:00, plus cakes, sandwiches, snacks and drinks, and can warm baby bottles. The science shop is open to the public. There is a picnic area and a lunch area for school groups.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Up to 100 guests.

Hireable spaces include a professional theatre seating 100, a theatre with cabaret tables for 80, two meeting rooms for 25, flexible spaces for up to 64 and a cafe seating about 50. The whole centre can be hired for networking events, parties and corporate events.

Plan your visit