National Science Centre, Guwahati
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 | |
Former name | Regional Science Centre, Guwahati[1] |
|---|---|
| Established | 15 March 1994 |
| Location | Jawaharnagar, Khanapara, Guwahati - 781022, Assam, India |
| Coordinates | 26°07′14″N 91°48′58″E / 26.1206°N 91.8160°E |
| Type | Science museum |
| Collection size | Interactive science exhibits |
| Owner | National Council of Science Museums |
| Website | www |
National Science Centre, Guwahati (formerly Regional Science Centre, Guwahati) is a science museum located in Guwahati, Assam, India. It is a unit of the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), functioning under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.[2]
The centre serves as a major hub for science communication in Northeast India, offering interactive exhibits, educational programmes, and non-formal science learning opportunities.[2][3]
The centre began its educational activities in 1990 and was formally inaugurated on 15 March 1994 by then Chief Minister of Assam, Hiteswar Saikia.[4]
It was the first science centre established in Northeast India and forms part of the nationwide network of science museums developed by the NCSM. In recognition of its expanding scope and regional importance, the institution was upgraded and renamed as the National Science Centre, Guwahati on 7 January 2024.[5]
Location
The centre is situated at Jawaharnagar in Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam. It lies approximately 11 km from Guwahati Railway Station and about 32 km from Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport.[2]
Architecture
Galleries and exhibits
The centre houses several permanent galleries and participatory exhibits across scientific disciplines.[8]
Notable exhibits include:
- Entrance lobby featuring Foucault's pendulum, energy ball, and Magdeburg hemispheres[9]
- Mirror magic and fun science galleries
- Children's corner and innovation-based exhibits
- Aquarium and butterfly corner
- Mock coal mine gallery
These exhibits are designed to facilitate experiential learning and public engagement with science.[2]
Facilities
The centre includes multiple educational and technological facilities:[10]
Programmes and outreach
The centre conducts a wide range of programmes including:
- Science demonstrations and lectures
- Workshops and teacher training programmes
- Science fairs and student competitions
- Outreach programmes for rural and underserved communities