Kayseri Science Center

Kayseri Science Center, opened on 7 December 2016, is a science center operated by the Kayseri Metropolitan Municipality and supported by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK). Located within the region known as the Land of Anatolian Wonders, the center spans an area of 34,000 square meters and features a total of 3,000 square meters of indoor and 4,000 square meters of outdoor exhibition space, hosting 165 exhibition units. The center aims to foster an appreciation for science and increase technological awareness among visitors through interactive exhibits, workshops, laboratory areas, and a planetarium.

^{Kayseri Science Center (}Kayseri Municipality⁾

The exhibitions at Kayseri Science Center are designed across a broad spectrum ranging from fundamental sciences to local culture. The main exhibition themes are as follows:

• On the Trail of Science
• Local Traces
• Tower of Sensory Discovery
• Vision and Perception
• Electricity and Magnetism
• Waves and Resonance
• Encountering Mars
• El-Jazari: Pioneer of Mechanical Science
• Fundamental Sciences
• Daily Life and Technology
• Preschool
• Kayseri

These exhibits offer visitors the opportunity to explore scientific principles through visual, auditory, and tactile interactive installations. Designed using mechanical and electronic systems as well as simple wooden toys, the exhibits are structured to engage individuals of all ages. The center combines evolving exhibition approaches, from standalone devices to thematic flow diagrams.

^{Kayseri Science Center (}Kayseri Municipality⁾

Kayseri Science Center offers educational programs in fields such as physics, biology, chemistry, robotics, and astronomy through 120 exhibits and 6 workshops across 10 scientific themes. Guided by 12 educators, these programs enable students to learn through hands-on experimentation. Free weekend workshops are organized to provide families with quality time together. Additionally, events such as “500 Stars on the Path of Science” connect students from 12 schools with science through guided exhibition tours, planetarium film screenings, and workshop activities, offering a rich experiential learning environment.

The center also reaches rural communities by organizing scientific activities in hard-to-access areas. Future plans include integrating artificial intelligence, enabling information access via QR codes, and upgrading exhibits with virtual reality (VR) headsets.

^{Kayseri Science Center (}Kayseri Municipality⁾

The planetarium at Kayseri Science Center features a dome-shaped projection screen that realistically simulates the movements of stars, planets, and celestial bodies. Visitors can receive astronomy education through specially produced films, embark on virtual journeys among the stars, or observe microscopic structures such as DNA molecules. Inspired by Türkiye’s first astronaut, Alper Gezeravcı, interest in space and aviation has grown significantly, particularly among preschool students who have shown great curiosity in this field. Night observation sessions are organized for older age groups.

The center includes a café, restaurant, and rest areas that cater to visitors’ needs and help alleviate fatigue during their visit. The integration of local Kayseri elements into the exhibits facilitates local visitors’ connection with science while offering foreign visitors an opportunity to experience the city’s cultural identity.

Since its opening, Kayseri Science Center has welcomed 900,000 visitors and attracts strong interest from the Central Anatolia region (Nevşehir, Niğde, Aksaray, Kırıkkale, Kırşehir) and the Mediterranean region (Mersin, Adana). School groups can participate in free guided visits through prior appointment.