Overview
Scienceworks is Melbourne's hands-on science and technology museum, located in the inner-western suburb of Spotswood. Part of Museums Victoria, it features interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and a lightning room.
Highlights
- Lightning Room: A live theatrical demonstration of two-million-volt Tesla coils producing dramatic lightning bolts — a must-see for all ages.
- Planetarium: A state-of-the-art digital fulldome planetarium showing immersive astronomy films and live sky tours.
- Pumping Station: The original 1880s Spotswood Pumping Station, a stunning Victorian-era industrial heritage building housing massive steam engines.
History
Scienceworks opened in 1992 on the site of the former Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works Pumping Station, built in 1897. The heritage pumping station is preserved as part of the museum.
Visitor Tips
- Book Ahead: Lightning Room and Planetarium shows are timed and sell out, especially during school holidays.
- Getting There: A short train ride to Spotswood station, or take the ferry along the Yarra.
- Duration: 2–3 hours.