Kayseri Science Center

Kayseri Science Center is a science center opened on April 4 2016 under the auspices of the Kayseri Metropolitan Municipality and supported by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK). Located within the Harikalar Diyarı complex it occupies a total area of 34000 square meters. With 3000 square meters of indoor and 4000 square meters of outdoor exhibition space it hosts 165 exhibition units. The center aims to foster public interest in science and raise awareness through interactive exhibits workshops laboratory areas and a planetarium.

Kayseri Science Center (Kayseri Municipality)

Exhibition Areas and Themes

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

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

These exhibitions 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 toys and tools the exhibits are tailored to engage individuals of all ages. The center combines evolving exhibition approaches from individual installations to thematic flow diagrams.

Kayseri Science Center (Kayseri Municipality)

Education and Activities

Kayseri Science Center offers educational programs in fields such as physics chemistry biology robotics and astronomy through 120 exhibits and six workshops across ten scientific themes. Guided by twelve educators these programs enable students to learn through touch and experimentation. Free workshops are organized on weekends to allow families to spend quality time together. Additionally events such as “500 Stars on the Path of Science” connect students from twelve schools with science through guided exhibition tours planetarium shows and workshop activities providing a rich educational experience.

The center also reaches out to rural communities by organizing scientific activities in hard-to-access areas. Future plans include integration with digital platforms QR code-based access and the renewal of exhibits using virtual reality VR headsets.

Kayseri Science Center (Kayseri Municipality)

Planetarium

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 witness microscopic structures such as the water molecule. Inspired by Türkiye’s first astronaut Alper Gezeravcı interest in space and aviation has grown significantly particularly among middle school students who have shown great enthusiasm in this field. Night observation sessions are organized for large groups.

Rest Areas and Local Features

Restaurants and relaxation areas within the center meet visitor needs and help alleviate fatigue from touring. The integration of local Kayseri elements into the exhibits facilitates local visitors’ connection with science while offering foreign visitors an opportunity to understand the city’s cultural identity.

Visitor Profile and Impact

Since its opening Kayseri Science Center has welcomed 900000 visitors and attracts strong interest from the Central Anatolia region (Nevşehir Niğde Aksaray Kırıkkale Kırşehir) and the Mediterranean region (Mersin Adana). Group visits by appointment are offered free of charge.