The Life Science Centre, located in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne at Times Square, is a unique and dynamic science attraction that offers a hands-on, engaging experience for visitors of all ages. Part of the wider International Centre for Life—a hub for scientific research, education, and healthcare innovation—the Life Science Centre bridges the gap between cutting-edge science and the public. Since its opening in 2000, it has become one of the North East’s most popular educational destinations, known for its interactive exhibits, family-friendly atmosphere, and world-class planetarium.
🧬 A Hub for Science and Learning
The Life Science Centre is not a typical museum. It’s an immersive environment where science is brought to life through experimentation, discovery, and play. The centre features a range of permanent and temporary exhibitions covering subjects such as space exploration, biology, physics, coding, neuroscience, and environmental science. Every exhibit is designed to be interactive and accessible, encouraging curiosity and participation rather than passive observation.
One of its key aims is to inspire a love of science in young people, but adults will also find the content thought-provoking and engaging. The centre promotes lifelong learning through exhibits, talks, live demonstrations, and special events.
🌌 Space Zone and Planetarium
A major highlight of the Life Science Centre is the Space Zone, home to the North’s largest planetarium. This immersive dome theatre offers stunning digital shows that transport visitors across the solar system, deep into the cosmos, or even back in time to witness the Big Bang. The planetarium uses state-of-the-art Digistar technology, making it a memorable experience for audiences of all ages.
The Space Zone also includes models and replicas of space equipment, such as parts of the International Space Station, as well as hands-on exhibits that explore gravity, astronomy, and satellite imagery. It’s an ideal place for anyone fascinated by the stars, space missions, or the possibility of life beyond Earth.
🔬 Experiment Zone and Live Science Shows
Another standout feature is the Experiment Zone, where visitors aged 7 and above can put on lab coats and goggles to carry out real scientific investigations. This area simulates a working lab environment and allows individuals to explore chemical reactions, test hypotheses, and learn through guided experimentation.
The Science Theatre regularly hosts live shows performed by science communicators who conduct exciting demonstrations—think fire, explosions, and dazzling visual effects—all designed to make science entertaining and easy to understand. These shows often tie in with themes from current exhibitions and are suitable for all ages.
🧠 Brain Zone and Wow Zone
The Brain Zone is a fascinating area dedicated to the human mind and how we perceive the world. It includes puzzles, illusions, and interactive displays that test memory, coordination, and problem-solving skills. This area helps visitors understand the complexity and wonder of the human brain through playful and educational challenges.
The Wow Zone, true to its name, includes large-scale exhibits such as a six-metre-high “big machine” that launches balls across the space using air power. It’s a high-energy area where movement, colour, and mechanics come together to create an exciting learning experience.
🎨 Making Studios and Creative Learning
In the Making Studios, creativity meets science. Here, visitors can get hands-on with building, designing, and inventing. Using tools, electronics, and craft materials, children and adults alike are encouraged to explore the principles of engineering, technology, and design. It’s a space that promotes problem-solving, imagination, and collaboration, and often reflects themes like robotics, renewable energy, or digital innovation.
👶 Play Zone and Younger Visitors
The Life Science Centre is very family-friendly, with dedicated areas for younger children. The Play Zone includes soft play areas, storytime activities, and early-years science games that engage toddlers and preschoolers. There are also “discovery backpacks” available, filled with themed toys and games to help young children explore the centre at their own pace.
🌍 Gaia and Environmental Exhibits
At the entrance to the Life Science Centre, visitors are greeted by Gaia, a large and visually stunning model of Earth. Created by artist Luke Jerram, Gaia rotates slowly and is used to raise awareness about climate change, sustainability, and humanity’s impact on the planet. This area often features related exhibits focused on ecosystems, global warming, and renewable technologies, encouraging visitors to think critically about environmental issues.
🗓️ Seasonal Events and Adult Evenings
Throughout the year, the Life Science Centre hosts special events, from holiday-themed activities during school breaks to adult-only evenings with cocktails, music, and thought-provoking talks. These events provide a fun and relaxed atmosphere to explore the science centre without children, and often feature exclusive content such as in-depth planetarium shows or behind-the-scenes tours.
🧑🔬 A Scientific Community
Beyond its role as a visitor attraction, the Life Science Centre is part of a larger ecosystem that includes biomedical research facilities, Newcastle University departments, and NHS clinics. The wider Centre for Life campus houses laboratories and companies involved in genetics, regenerative medicine, and vaccine research. This makes it a rare environment where cutting-edge science is not just displayed but also actively happening behind the scenes.
🍽️ Facilities and Accessibility
The centre includes a café serving meals, snacks, and refreshments, as well as a gift shop filled with science-themed merchandise, books, and toys. It is fully wheelchair-accessible, with lifts, ramps, accessible toilets, baby-changing facilities, and quiet areas for visitors with sensory needs. Carers are admitted free, and staff are trained to assist visitors with a range of accessibility requirements.
🚉 Location and Travel
The Life Science Centre is ideally located just a short walk from Newcastle Central Station, making it easily accessible by train, bus, Metro, or foot. It sits within Times Square, close to Discovery Museum and other local attractions, making it a great part of a day out in Newcastle.
🧠 Why Visit the Life Science Centre?
- Hands-on learning: Ideal for school trips, family days out, and adults who love science.
- Cutting-edge exhibits: From space to the brain, from AI to ecology.
- Educational mission: Inspires curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity.
- Inclusive and welcoming: Designed for all ages and backgrounds.
Whether you’re performing an experiment in the lab, gazing up at the stars in the planetarium, or tinkering with gadgets in the Making Studios, the Life Science Centre is a place where learning feels like play and discovery is endless. It stands as a shining example of how science can be made accessible, exciting, and deeply human.
