Life Science Centre

Over het museum

The International Centre for Life, usually called Life, opened in 2000 in the centre of Newcastle upon Tyne. It was created as a science hub where scientists, clinicians, technologists and educators work side by side on one site, which is unusual among science attractions. The NHS and Newcastle University are key partners on the site, and medical research and patient treatment, for example in fertility, genetics and neuromuscular diseases, are carried out in the same complex.

At the centre of this campus is the Life Science Centre, a visitor attraction that encourages people of all ages to explore science. It has interactive zones for children and adults, a large planetarium with a changing programme of shows, a science theatre, making studios and a changing series of special experiences.

Life is an educational charity and receives no public funding for the science centre, so income from tickets, memberships and events supports its programmes, including subsidised school workshops and sessions for communities that might otherwise find it hard to take part. The centre welcomes around 250,000 visitors a year according to its own account, and also runs events for families and adults throughout the year.

Hoogtepunten

• Planetarium with immersive dome shows
• Space Zone with hands-on exhibits
• Brain Zone with optical illusions
• Play Zone designed for under-7s
• Making Studios with changing hands-on activities
• Relaxed Sunday Sessions once a month

Vaste collectie

• Space Zone – Hands-on exhibits about space and the Earth, including a digital globe that shows satellite imagery.
• Brain Zone – Interactive exhibits and optical illusions that challenge how the mind works.
• Play Zone – A world designed for the youngest children, recommended especially for under-7s.

Opgericht

2000

Beheerder

International Centre for Life

Bezoekers per jaar

ca. 225.000

Toegangsprijzen & kortingen

Prices are the ticket price without the voluntary donation of at least 10%; with the donation (Gift Aid price) adult and child tickets cost £15.00. A ticket includes all exhibits, shows and activities. Discount codes are offered online for groups such as NHS staff and Max Card holders. Annual membership is available. Parking can be added as an extra when booking.

Toegankelijkheid

• Rolstoeltoegankelijk
• Lift
• Aangepast toilet
• Gehandicaptenparkeerplaats
• Hulphonden welkom
• Tastmodellen / voelbare objecten: geen informatie
• Rondleidingen in gebarentaal: geen informatie
• Informatie in eenvoudige taal: geen informatie
• Audiodescriptie: geen informatie

The centre has level access, with lifts and ramps to all floors, a Changing Places toilet on the ground floor and accessible toilets on every floor. Wheelchairs can be borrowed, wheelchair spaces are available in the Planetarium and Science Theatre, and induction loops are installed at reception, in the Planetarium and in the Science Theatre. Large-print versions of show scripts are available. Adapted Planetarium shows, including a British Sign Language version and an audio-based show for blind and partially sighted visitors, can be arranged for groups. Monthly Relaxed Sunday Sessions, sensory bags and ear defenders (£10 refundable deposit), a visual story and a sensory map support autistic visitors and others with sensory needs. Guide and assistance dogs are welcome.

Kinderen & gezin

Erg geschikt voor kinderen & gezinnen

• Gezinsrondleidingen & workshops
• Speurtocht, doeboekje of kinderaudiotour
• Doe- en voelstations
• Kinderwagenvriendelijk
• Verschoonruimte
• Speeltuin / speelhoek
• Kinderfeestjes

Play Zone is designed for children under 7, and pop-up play stations and discovery backpacks are available for the same age group. Pushchairs are welcome and baby changing facilities are throughout the centre; the centre is breastfeeding friendly and offers private spaces on request. Birthday parties for ages 5 to 11 cost £20 per child with a minimum of 12 children, and one adult per child comes free. A maximum of two children aged 2 and under are allowed per adult.

Bereikbaarheid & parkeren

The science centre is in Times Square in the city centre. Minibuses and coaches can use a drop-off point arranged in advance.

Service & horeca

• Café
• Restaurant: niet aanwezig
• Kluisjes

Times Square Café and Bar is at the front of the centre and is wheelchair and pushchair friendly. There is a second on-site café, a free indoor packed lunch area and free bottle and food warming facilities. Lockers and storage crates can be hired from reception for a refundable deposit.

Evenementen & zaalverhuur

• Ruimtes te huur

Function rooms, science centre areas, outdoor spaces and a kitchen are offered for hire.

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