Copernicus at a glance

All that Copernicus

Air – is not just nothingtemporary exhibition

Thinkatorium

Buzzz!

Re:Generation

New On the Move

Laboratories

High-Voltage Theatre

Discovery ParkRooftop Garden

Heavens of Copernicus planetarium

an innovative workshop

permanent exhibition for children up to 5

permanent exhibition for people aged 14 and over

permanent exhibition the Centre’s green environs

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The Copernicus Science Centre houses several permanent exhibitions and one temporary exhibition, Thinkatorium, a High-Voltage Theatre, and chemistry, physics, biology, and robotics labs. Outside there is the Discovery Park and a rooftop garden. Our planetarium offers films, live shows, concerts and a free-entry exhibition Look: there’s the Earth!

with a riverside view

Look: there’s the Earth!free-entry exhibition in planetarium

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Shown here: Turntable exhibit, New On the Move gallery

The Copernicus Science Centre is not a museum. There are no glass cabinets or guides to show you around. Rather, it’s a space that will inspire you to observe, experiment, ask questions, and look for answers. It’s up to you what you take home.

Welcome to a world where you can experiment for yourself.

Welcome to the Copernicus Science Centre.

Don’t be afraid not to know something. Don’t be afraid to ask about something. Don’t worry about making mistakes. Keep checking and testing for yourself. Let your inquisitive mind dig deeper. Unleash your imagination and don’t be complacent. Those are the traits of a discoverer, which each of us carries inside us. At Copernicus, we want to remind you of that fact.

Temporary exhibition

Air – is not just nothing

How much does air weigh? Why does a flag flutter in the wind? What do Daniel Bernoulli and a pink elephant have in common?

Air surrounds us everywhere. We can’t see it, but we can feel its presence with our other senses. We can feel as the wind blows, we notice changes in temperature, we can smell scents, and hear sounds. Air literally keeps us alive. It also shapes the weather, allows planes to fly, and makes vacuum cleaners and bicycle pumps work. See how many more aspects of our lives are governed by this inconspicuous mixture. Visit our new exhibition Air – is not just nothing.

The Air – is not just nothing exhibition will be open till autumn 2018.

Admission is included in the ticket to the Copernicus Science Centre.

• over 40 interactive exhibits

• experiments for visitors of all ages

• additional thematic attractions

We are introducing changes that will make your adventure of discovering an even more memorable and inspiring experience. Why? Because you – our visitors – are the core of the Copernicus Science Centre.

Every day in Copernicus is a lesson, for us too. We are learning about what the Copernicus truly is and how to improve it. We want to take the lessons we have learned and make them a reality. At Copernicus, you are always at the centre of attention. It is for our visitors that we create exhibits and exhibitions so that their visit remains an unforgettable memory. We work hard to improve all the elements of the Copernicus experience, including the exhibits and exhibition galleries, the system of information, even the clarity of the pathways to explore and the layout of the building.

In 2016 we opened the new “On the Move” gallery, and at the beginning of 2017, we finished rearranging the new entry zone to the Copernicus Science Centre and to the Planetarium. The new zones are more comfortable, toned down and include space for relaxing.

In 2018 we will complete renovating the 1st floor. Two modernised exhibitions will include a pavilion and some brand new exhibits. Some of them have been built by us, which we are extremely proud of. Others, already known to the visitors, have been improved and clad in new cases. They all amaze with precision and give you an even greater possibility of free, independent experimenting.

Come to Copernicus, support us and see how we are doing at improving the galleries and exhibits!

The staff of the Copernicus Science Centre

We are changing

Temporary Exhibition Partner

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Innovative workshop

ThinkatoriumNo matter what your age or how much you know, this exhibition will show you that “you think better than you think”.

A menu full of experiments in front of you. Challenges of engineering, science, logic waiting for you to solve them. Will you try to build a flying contraption, using drinking straws, insulation foam, paper, and scissors? Or perhaps construct a tower made of paper that will support the weight of an egg? Or maybe you will build a bridge? You will not be given precise instructions to follow, and there will be no grades or time limits. The outcome is solely up to you – it depends on your ingenuity, efficiency, perseverance. Through your own hard work and experimentation, you will find ourselves suddenly starting to grasp the laws of science, able to think outside the box. You will practise patience, determination, and the ability to take on a challenge.

Exhibit materials shown here: A If you opt for the “Glass harp” project, you can play music using drinking glasses B. Wirginia Szmyt, known as DJ Wika, building a tower meant to hold up a ball for 60 sec C. How should you build a pathway for a ball? That’s the task to be resolved in the “Incredible machine” project

“Ha ha! That’s it!” – we say with satisfaction when we manage to solve a tough problem. According to the psychologist Arthur Koestler, humour and the joy of discovery (“Ha ha!”) represent one of the three components of creativity. The other two are “Ahhhh!” (surprise and interest) and “Aha!” (discovering regularities). Such exclamations are often to be heard at the Thinkatorium.

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We can distinguish around four thousand different smells. No other sense is able to evoke so many memories. Children have a much better sense of smell than adults. That is because our olfactory cells die off as we age, and no new ones are created.

The exhibit shows here presents the various smells of a forest – mint, violet, pine, but also elks and foxes.

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Permanent exhibition

Buzzz!This exhibition is reserved for younger children, together with accompanying adults. Our little guests experiment engaging all their senses at once, without any inhibitions, unashamed to make mistakes. They are driven solely by their curiosity.

What does the world look like through the eyes of a snake? What is hidden inside a kaleidoscope? What does a fox smell like? Everything here is meant to be touched, smelled, investigated, toppled over and built back up again. The Buzz! exhibition encourages uninhibited experimentation.

This exhibition is designed for children up to 5 years of age, who must be accompanied by an adult. Visitors may spend up to 70 minutes in Bzzz! Please bear in mind that kids may get wet when working with the water experiments, so we suggest bringing an extra change of clothes.

Exhibits shown here: A. Animal Tracks B. Mattress Cacti C. Tumbling Balls and Track Balls D. Part of the waterworks E. Smell Recognition

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The “Reactable” is a collaborative instrument created in 2003 as a doctorate project by the Music Technology Research Group at Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona. Its creators were inspired by the first modular analogue synthesizers designed by electronic music pioneer Bob Moog in the early 1960s. The ReacTable won a Golden Nike award in the Prix Ars Electronica competition and was named “Hot Instrument of the Year” by Rolling Stone. Its fame increased when Björk used one while on her Volta tour.

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Permanent exhibition

Re: GenerationWho are you, what is your relation to others? What happens in your brain when you are scared, when you love, when you are sad or when you lie?

Although we know a lot about how our brain works, the search for our self, for our consciousness, is still the greatest mystery of science. And yet, there is nothing closer than your own mind. What do you know about it? In this exhibition, science enters the realm of emotions. Drawing on the most recent discoveries of psychology, sociology, as well as neurobiology and engineering, it leads us through a world that is all about you and your relationships with others. So have a nice journey…

This exhibition is intended for visitors aged 14 and up.

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Exhibits shown here: A. Head in the clouds B. A pack of lies C. Felix the Robot D. The “Reactable” – an electronic instrument

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New On the MoveNew “On the Move” is the rearranged and improved space of one of the most popular Copernicus galleries.

The exhibition features 80 interactive exhibits. Some of them were built here, in our workshop. The ones especially favoured by visitors were changed and improved. Others were built by the best constructors in the world and shipped over to us.

The exhibits will amaze you with precision and allow to experience the natural world phenomena hands on. Vibrations and

Exhibits shown here: A. Oscylinderscope B. Magnetic bridge C. Light and sound

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waves. Power and magnetism. Air and water. These are just a few thematic zones where you will be able to discover and find out about a particular phenomenon from different perspectives using different exhibits. This will give you a bigger picture, help understand things better and remember for longer. Those among our exhibits that require overshadowing are housed in a special blue pavilion.

The exhibition gallery’s space was designed to make it easier for you to concentrate. We also created relax zones where you will have the chance to “recharge” your batteries before continuing your visit.

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Permanent exhibition

Tytuł strony

Photo: During the “Electrons in Action” show, a Van de Graaff generator is used to make one’s hair stand on end.

High Voltage Theatre

In this electrifying venue you’ll see real lightning close-up, touch an electric current, and discover the rules governing electromagnetism. Tucked inside a Faraday cage, you can safely behold these extraordinary spectacles.

Admission is included in the general ticket to the Centre, although the size of the audience for each show is limited.

Note: anyone with electronic medical devices (pacemakers, insulin pumps, hearing aids, etc.) may not visit the Theatre. Admission is not recommended for epileptics, pregnant women, or children under 6 years of age.

What’s on at the High Voltage Theatre?

Duel of the Masters It will be a meeting of two great minds and two great ideas that have changed the world. We will learn the differences between direct current and alternating current. We will also see a Tesla coil, Van de Graaff generator and Jacob’s ladder in action. All of this in the context of the famous “War of Currents”, which took place in the 19th century in the United States.

Electrons in the Spotlight Look how many things may happen in just half an hour! You observe the awesome thunderstorm, feel you hair bristle and suddenly go with the flow – an electric one at that! During our electrifying show you’ll learn about various rules of electromagnetics.

Storm busters Where to hide away from thunders? Does a mobile phone attract lightnings? During the show you will see thunderbolts, hear music generated by Tesla’s transformers and meet a daredevil, who will put on a special costume and come face to face with discharges.

High Voltage Theatre Exclusive Partner

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Labs shown here: A Robotics lab B Chemistry lab C Physics lab D Biology lab

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LaboratoriesWe’ve got well-stocked physics, chemistry, biology and robotics laboratories just waiting for you, plus a team of people to show you step-by-step how to do your own experiments.

In Copernicus’ labs, you’ll feel like a real scientist. Dressed up in a lab coat and protective goggles. Bent in concentration over glass vessels and test tubes. Surrounded by measuring probes, titration apparatus, magnetic stirrers, spectroscopes, pneumatic and electropneumatic kits.

Do the names sound complicated? No need to worry. We make science fun. We’re here to make it all accessible to you. No stress, no grading, no tests. The pure joy of discovery and the great fun of conducting your own experiments.

Each lab requires a separate ticket, to be purchased in conjunction with a general ticket to the Centre. Sessions for school groups are organized from Tuesday to Friday from October to June. Minilabs for individual visitors are held on weekends and during summer holidays from Tuesday till Sunday. We provide all necessary reagents, equipment and protective clothing.

The classes are held only in Polish.

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Robotics Lab Exclusive Partner

Chemistry Lab Exclusive Partner

Biology Lab Exclusive Partner

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Chemistry lab

If school chemistry lessons were always taught in such a lab, probably half of us would end up becoming chemists when we grow up! Here chemistry is shown to be a fascinating experience, something that surrounds us everywhere, even in everyday situations: when baking bread, tossing a lemon into our tea, or styling our hair. A frying egg congeals because of the denaturisation of protein, lemony tea changes colour because the pH is altered, and our hairstyle can be sculpted thanks to sol coagulation and polymer networking. In other words, if you are inquisitive and like to know the deeper story, come see what our chemistry lab has to offer!

Biology lab

Biology is the science of life. Why is it important to study? Mainly to better understand ourselves, given that each of us is a living organism! But biologists utilize modern technologies and complex equipment irrespective of the size of the organisms they study, as they always strives to answer the same question: How does it work? In the biology lab you will be surrounded by the natural world – a terrarium full of beautiful plants, small nematodes and diatoms, animal skulls, carnivorous plants (sundrews and venus flytraps), and many other organisms. You will examine them under a microscope, and even build your own!

Physics lab

Here we let loose with amazing physics experiments: we make holograms, pound lettuce leaves with a hammer, build a lightbulb, watch substances glow, experiment with a laser, capture cosmic particles, and… we simply don’t have enough space to describe it all. Come and see for yourself why physics is considered the fundamental natural science, the one which gave rise to chemistry, biology, astronomy, meteorology, engineering, and other sciences. Explore the subject that tries to pin down the general rules of nature and grasp the regularities that govern the material world.

Robotics lab

Robotics is an interdisciplinary field that combines computer science, mathematics, physics, and engineering. During sessions in the robotics lab, we build robots, create algorithms, learn how to program, hone our skills at math and physics, and also encourage creativity. This science also has something in common with the humanities: it was the Czech writer Karel Čapek who first coined the word “robot” in 1920, whereas “robotics” was first written about by science-fiction author Issac Asimov in his 1942 story “Runaround”. Both literary-minded and science-minded visitors are sure to find something for themselves here.

Laboratories

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“Lates” 18+ Hosted by SamsungOne Thursday night every month, Copernicus opens its doors exclusively to adults, long after regular museum hours are over.

Every evening is a special event, revolving around a specific theme. Apart from a chance to explore the regular museum exhibitions, we also offer additional attractions for adults: workshops, film screenings at the planetarium, performances, games, lectures, meetings with experts, concerts, and alcoholic beverages. We guarantee that everyone will have a great time and be enthralled by our non-standard approach to science: those a bit more artistically inclined as well as those who are technically-minded.

Special events

Family WorkshopsThe themes of the workshops are inspired by the questions that children ask.

We help young discoverers understand, for instance, where the electricity in our wall sockets comes from, why instruments make noise, why the stars shine, and how telephones work. We also encourage parents and care-givers to take part in the experiments performed during the sessions, and also to seek answers to difficult questions back at home.

Family Workshops are designed for children aged 5–8. They are held on Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30 am and 1:00 pm and last an hour and a half. Tickets can be purchased online up to two weeks in advance or at the ticket-desks. Each ticket admits one child and up to two adults.

Experiments shown here, from the session “Why Does Peeling an Onion Make us Cry”: A. & C. Household pH-meter B. Dilution experiment D. Where are the taste buds?

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Adults enjoying: A. the new One the Move exhibition B. the Biology Lab C. the Chemistry Lab D. the Re: Generation exhibition

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Late Nights are held one Thursday every month, from 7 pm – 10 pm. They are only for visitors 18+. Tickets can be purchased online (up to 2 hours before the start), or at the ticket-desks on the day of the event.

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Family Workshops Exclusive Partner

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Heavens of Copernicus The heart of our planetarium – on of the most advanced in Europe – is the state-of-the-art projector, which displays 20 million stars!

The spherical screen completely surrounds the audience and 3D technology gives a sense of being completely immersed in the projected world!

Our repertoire of live-sky shows and film screenings has something to suit everyone’s tastes. Moreover, we organise concerts of classical,

Planetarium

electronic and jazz music, meetings with scientists and nighttime star- -gazing sessions.

The Heavens of Copernicus Planetarium has its own production studio, where shows and films are made (“Hello Earth” and “Dream to fly”).

Check the repertoire, current news and events, and available tickets at www.niebokopernika.pl/en

Look, there’s the Earth!Our planetarium hosts a free-entry exhibition (open for everyone) dealing with space exploration and research, and how the results are affecting our day-to-day lives. Such research enables us to observe climate change, forecast the weather, predict natural disasters and changes caused by human activity. There will be op portunities to take part in a virtual rocket launch, to enjoy the view from a space station in real time and examine satellite photos, to learn about the number, speed, and altitude

of satellites circling the Earth and find out why they do not fall back down. Let a quote from the astronaut Jean-François Clervoy serve as the best encouragement to come see the exhibition: “The sight of the Earth from space brings one to tears, the planet is incredibly impressive, gorgeous. At the same time, when looking at it, I realize how fragile human existence on Earth is.”

Entry is free of charge.

Permanent exhibition

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Planetarium

Films in 3D

Concerts for children

Laser shows

Concerts

Live shows in 2D and 3D Special events

Dark Side of the Moon

jazz, classical and electronic music

interactive presentations

Dream to Fly

Meetings with scientists

The Perseids: A Night of Shooting Stars

Straight from the Sky

The planetarium’s extensive repertoire includes films about space, interactive live shows in 2D and 3D, concerts (jazz, classical, and for children), laser shows, meetings with scientists, and also outdoor events that draw in crowds of participants, such as a regular meteor-watching night.

Permanent exhibitionLook, there’s the Earth!

Films in 2DHello Earth

Discovery ParkDid you know that the Copernicus Centre is actually bigger than its building? Try taking a short walk towards the nearby Świętokrzyski Bridge.

Our outdoor Discovery Park is the collaborative work of engineers, artists and garden-designers. It’s a place where one can relax on the bank of the Vistula River and experiment with various sound-related exhibits. In the warmer months, the park serves as a venue for star-gazing gatherings, an open-air cinema, and many other attractions.

The park is not fenced in and can be enjoyed free of charge all day.

Shown here: summertime fun in the Discovery Park

Rooftop GardenThe rooftop garden offers a great place to stroll and enjoy breathtaking views over the Vistula River, the roofs of Warsaw’s Old Town, and the National Stadium. Come discover the green spaces tucked away atop the Copernicus Science Centre building.

The garden’s architecture resembles an eroding riverside landscape, with footpaths winding like streams around craters (acting as skylights) and flowerbeds sporting dozens of species of vegetation resistant to severe conditions. The rooftop habitat is highly exposed to sunlight and offers no protection against wind, so many of the species we chose to plant here are genetically adapted to grow under

low-water conditions, including yucca plants, carnations, stonecrops, blue fescue grass, and mountain pines.

The rooftop garden is open from May to August from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, from September to October 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and is closed from November to April. It can be reached by following the ramp on the south side of the building. Entrance is free of charge. If you share pictures taken in the Copernicus Science Centre or on the roof on social-networking sites, use the hashtag #centrumnaukikopernik.

Outdoors

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Science Picnic of Polish Radio and the Copernicus Science Centre

The annual Science Picnic is the largest outdoor event of its kind in Europe, demonstrating that science is something truly fascinating.

The Picnic is addressed to everyone who takes an interest in science and wants to have a chance to experience it close-up. But it is also a great place for those who have not yet experienced the fascination of scientific experiments

– the picnic presentations will “infect” them with a passion for science! For years these annual events draw in vast crowds of visitors, eager to learn about specific fields of science or simply interested in the world.

Shown here: A. Bird’s-eye view of the Science Picnic B., C. & D. At the Science Picnic

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Przemiany FestivalThe “Przemiany” Festival is an event that sparks critical thinking about the world around us. What causes us anxiety? What is important now, and what will be important soon?

The topics concern scientific advancement, technological change, social transformations, changes in the natural environment, urbanization, and their impact on our lives. It presents the problems addressed from various perspectives, utilizing interdisciplinary means. The “Przemiany” festival, by means of lectures, films, exhibits, artistic installations and a range of non-standard initiatives, encourages us to think about our contemporary world, draws attention to current trends, and also talks about what might become important in the near future.

In 2018, the Festival will take place in mid-September.

Shown here: A. The Przemiany Festival B. The 2013 FameLab Compeititon 2013

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FameLab CompetitionFameLab is an international competition that encourages scientists (the natural spokespeople on behalf of science) to speak to the public.

The scientists have three minutes, standing before a jury and an audience, to explain what they feel is fascinating about their day-to-day research work. If they do so well, with charisma and passion, they stand a chance of winning the main prize. But in fact everyone here is a winner: the participants get to hone their presentation skills, and the public gains first-hand access to top-level science. Both benefit from mutual dialog. The competition is organized in Poland by the Copernicus Science Centre in conjunction with the British Council.

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Our activities

The 22nd Science Picnic with “motion” as the leading theme will be held on 9 June 2018 at the National Stadium.

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Practical information

QR code tickets

Each ticket to the Copernicus and Planetarium has a dedicated QR code, which opens entry and exit gates, and is checked before entering the Planetarium projection room. If you buy tickets on-line, you will receive a PDF file in your mailbox. You can print them or simply display the QR code on your smartphone and scan it on the reader.

Can I enter and re-enter the Copernicus Science Centre?

Your CSC ticket is a single-entry ticket*, which means you will not be able to exit the Centre and then re-enter using the same ticket. Once you exit the exhibitions, you won’t be able to return to them. Please remember to take all necessary things (such as money, food, phone, etc.) with you.

*With the exception of tickets to labs (group tickets), tickets for combined visit to the CSC and the Planetarium (both individual and group tickets), tickets of the Copernicus Club members, and tickets for Lates participants.

How can I buy tickets?

We strongly encourage you to plan your visit in advance and purchase tickets online.

online at: www.bilety.kopernik.org.pl up to 1,5 hours before the visit.

at the ticket-desks: individual tickets only for that day and if they haven’t been sold out online.

group tickets: only online or by telephone at +48 22 22 596 41 00 (8 am – 4 pm on weekdays).

Can I return a ticket?

Individual tickets can be returned up to 7 days before the date of the visit. Group tickets can be returned up to 16 days before the visit, and tickets to the Planetarium – also up to 7 days before the date of the visit.

There is a PLN 10 fee. To return a ticket write your request along with a reservation number to: zwroty@kopernik.org.pl.

Tickets to the Heavens of Copernicus planetarium can be purchased online (www.bilety.kopernik.org.pl) or at the ticket-desks of the Centre or the planetarium. Prices shown separately on the website.

How long does a visit take?

If this is your first time to the Centre and you want to try to see everything, it will be good to reserve about 3 hours. Ticket-desks stop selling tickets one hour before the Centre is closed.

There are no guides – there are the “explainers”!

There are no guides at the Copernicus Science Centre. Here everyone goes their own way and chooses which experiments they want to carry out. However, you will find “explainers” working in each exhibition gallery. They are our expert science enthusiasts, specialists in claryfing puzzling issues. Go ahead and ask them any question that springs to mind! They will be pleased to help. Explainers wear red T-shirts bearing the Copernicus logo. There are always almost 30 of them in the exhibition galleries, but at times you may have to wait till one of them is free.

Disabled access

The building is equipped with the appropriate access ramps, lifts, and toilets. It is possible to enter with guide dogs and assistance dogs. The planetarium has 1 space for a person in a wheelchair.

“Dream to Fly”, “Earth, Moon, Sun” and “Black holes” are films with audio description.

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Practical information

Cloakroom

Just inside the entrance to the Centre is a cloakroom and lockers, which require a PLN 2 coin as a refundable deposit.

Can I eat and drink inside?

You cannot consume food or beverages inside the exhibition galleries, with an exception of a specially dedicated area on the 1st floor.

The “Wiem Bistro” is at the front of the Centre, and the “Blue Sky” café is at the entrance to the planetarium.

Gift shop

The Science Store is located within the exhibitions (you need a CSC ticket to visit the store).

Text: Patrycja Strzetelska (CSC), Marta Tychmanowicz (CSC)

Translation: Daniel Sax (Sax Translations)

Graphic design: Michał Romański (CSC)

Photo credits: Agencja Gazeta; Sebastian Czarnecki; Filip Klimaszewski (Mediafot), Robert Kowalewski (Mediafot), Adam Kozak (Mediafot), Wojciech Surdziel (Mediafot); Agata Steifer (CSC), Maciej Sznabel (CSC); CSC; NASA

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There is always a lot going on at the Copernicus Science Centre!

Find out more about what we offer teachers, about our workshops for children and adults, about our temporary exhibitions, art events, festivals, competitions, debates and meetings on our website: www.kopernik.org.pl

Also be sure to check out: www.niebokopernika.pl

Stay well informed and sign up for our newsletter: www.newsletter.kopernik.org.pl

Find us:

CentrumNaukiKopernik

cnkopernik

CNKopernik

CentrumNaukiKopernik

Can I take pictures or record videos at the Copernicus Science Centre?

For private use, yes. For professional or business purposes, please contact us at info@kopernik.org.pl

Parking

Please note that the Centre is situated in Warsaw’s paid-parking zone. There is also an on-site parking lot, charging PLN 5 an hour. Coach busses should be parked for longer durations at the appropriate city parking facilities.

Cash machine (ATM)

The cash machine is outside the building, to the left of the main entrance.

Join the Copernicus Club

Created with the most enthusiastic explorers of scientific adventures in mind, the Copernicus Club offers a special club card that allows you to visit the Copernicus Centre – alone or together with your family and friends – as often as you want. In addition, club members will enjoy access to special attractions: exhibition previews, tours of every nook and cranny of the Center, and workshops.

www.kopernik.org.pl/en/klubkopernika

We would like to thank our Strategic Partner Samsung Polska for providing equipment necessary for the execution of our projects and activities.

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Copernicus Science Centre ul. Wybrzeże Kościuszkowskie 20 00-390 Warsaw

information: 22 596 41 00 (8 am–4 pm on weekdays) www.kopernik.org.pl