The Nehru Science Centre in Mumbai, India, is the largest interactive science museum in the country, dedicated to promoting science education and sparking curiosity among people of all ages. Named after Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, who was a strong advocate for scientific progress, the museum aims to make science accessible, engaging, and fun.
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Nehru Science Centre नेहरू विज्ञान केंद्र
Jijamata Nagar, Worli
Mumbai, Maharashtra 400018
http://www.nehrusciencecentre.gov.in/
+91 22 2493 2667
The Science Centre is open to the public every day including Sundays and public holidays throughout the year, except for two days, i.e. Holi and Diwali.
Opening hours: 09:30 – 18:00
- Admission Fees: There is a nominal entry fee for the general public, with additional charges for certain special exhibitions, 3D shows, and workshops. Discounts are often available for school groups and families.
- Facilities: The centre includes a cafeteria, gift shop, and facilities for educational workshops. There is also ample space for parking and outdoor activities.
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Background of the Nehru Science Centre
The Nehru Science Centre was established in the early 1980s and officially opened to the public in 1985. It is part of the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), an organization dedicated to developing science museums and centers across India. Located in the heart of Mumbai’s Worli area, the centre occupies over 14 acres and includes both indoor and outdoor exhibits.
The Nehru Science Centre plays a significant role in fostering scientific temper among the youth of India, following Nehru’s vision of science as a means of national development.
Key Features and Exhibits
The Nehru Science Centre features over 500 interactive exhibits that span a wide range of scientific fields, including physics, biology, astronomy, and technology. The exhibits are designed to be hands-on, encouraging visitors to explore and experiment to understand scientific principles.
Here are some of the highlights:
- Science Park:
- The Nehru Science Centre’s Science Park is an open-air area filled with large exhibits, such as giant working models, interactive installations, and outdoor science experiments.
- Popular features include windmills, a water wheel, and solar-powered devices, demonstrating renewable energy concepts.
- Permanent Indoor Exhibitions:
- Sound and Hearing: A section dedicated to the science of acoustics, where visitors can explore how sound waves work through interactive displays.
- Hall of Space Science: Showcasing models of satellites, rockets, and information about space missions, including the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) achievements.
- Prehistoric Life: This section takes visitors back in time with models of dinosaurs, fossils, and information on the evolution of life on Earth.
- Science on a Sphere:
- One of the most popular attractions is the Science on a Sphere (SOS), a large spherical display system that uses computers and projectors to create animated images of planetary data, climate change, ocean currents, and more.
- Innovation Centre:
- The Innovation Hub is a space designed for young inventors to explore their creativity, offering DIY kits, workshops, and project-building activities to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.
- Temporary Exhibitions and Special Events:
- The Nehru Science Centre regularly hosts thematic exhibitions, such as those focused on robotics, artificial intelligence, space exploration, and sustainable development.
- Annual events like the National Science Day, Science Film Festival, and various workshops for students are held to foster scientific enthusiasm.
- 3D Science Shows and Planetarium Programs:
- Visitors can enjoy 3D science shows that provide an immersive experience into topics like space exploration and deep-sea adventures.
- Though the Nehru Science Centre itself does not have a planetarium, the nearby Nehru Planetarium, also located in Mumbai, complements the science centre by offering astronomy shows and educational programs.
Educational Impact and Significance
The Nehru Science Centre is not just a museum but a hub for scientific education and innovation in India. By offering interactive exhibits, hands-on experiments, and educational programs, the centre plays a crucial role in promoting scientific literacy among students and the general public.
It serves as a vital resource for schools, colleges, and families, helping to cultivate a spirit of inquiry and critical thinking. The centre’s efforts to make science approachable and engaging align with India’s goals to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and inspire future generations to pursue careers in these fields.
Photos Mark Griffiths