Tartu opens a Science Center

Tartu awaits all the knowledge fans to see and experience scientific innovations in the science center AHHAA. It will be the first science center among the Baltic cities. The 13.000 square meter center will hold a 3D cinema and a planetarium with European top-science technology. Three rooms will host permanent expositions. "One of them is the tunnel to Australia, where people see what's happening on in the other side of the globe" - says Tiiu Sild, the manager of AHHAA science center.

The board of scientists from various Thelds of science has been planning the exposition for a year. Experience visiting other scientific museums in Europe, USA and India have given the planners plenty of ideas about which mistakes to avoid. "The most common problem is that the expositions are hectic and lose their conception" - says Sild. The aim was to alternate intensive scientific getting-to-know with more relaxing expositions. AHHAA center is unique. "The big advantage of AHHAA is that we are a part of the University of Tartu, which means that we have competence to invent original exhibitions" - Sild explains.

The estimated 13-mln EUR building and 2-mln exposition will be mainly supported by the Government of Estonia and the city of Tartu. Grants will also be applied for from the European Union funds and private companies. If everything goes according to the plan, the visitors are welcome at the end of June 2008.