The city of Toronto is home to a large number of museums. They are all interesting and educational, appealing to locals and tourists alike. However, the Ontario Science Centre held a special place among them. It was a science museum where you could learn more about space. Read more about it at toronto-future.com.
Construction History
Planning for the Science Centre began in 1961, a period when the city of Toronto was expanding rapidly. Just three years later, Ontario Premier John Robarts announced the creation of the Centennial Centre of Science and Technology. Construction began in 1966.
The project’s architect was Raymond Moriyama, who was tasked with creating a unique structure that would blend science and nature. Construction lasted for three years, and the official opening took place in September 1969. Notably, in its first week of operation, the museum was visited by over 9,000 people.
It’s worth noting the Science Centre’s advertising slogan at the time of its opening in 1969:
“Come see what would happen if Albert Einstein and Walt Disney got together.”
A Unique Science Museum
The Ontario Science Centre was one of the world’s first interactive science museums. Its exhibits were designed to allow visitors to actively engage with science by conducting experiments and observing demonstrations. At this museum, visitors could do more than just observe the exhibits. Interestingly, most of the exhibits at the Science Centre were interactive, a feature that amazed its guests. The building’s design, it’s worth noting, is an example of the Brutalist style.
The Ontario Science Centre was very popular with young people. The numbers confirm this: by 1974, the museum was welcoming approximately 250,000 students on school trips annually.
Starting in 1982, the Science Centre launched the Science School program for Ontario high school students. Participants in the program spent a semester at the Centre, gaining hands-on experience through volunteer work.
Renovations and Closure
In 1996, the OMNIMAX Theatre opened at the Centre. It was a unique theatre, featuring a massive domed screen and an immersive surround sound system. The theatre used IMAX Dome technology, which provided a giant screen and fully immersed viewers in the film. Museum visitors had the opportunity to watch educational and entertaining films on a variety of topics, including science, nature, and space. For example, in 2021, visitors watched the film “Asteroid Hunters,” which tells the story of asteroids and the scientists working to detect and deflect them.
In 2001, the Centre embarked on a major capital project that renewed about 85% of the museum’s public spaces. A total of $47.5 million was allocated for the renovation and expansion. The renovation work lasted six years, and in 2007, two unique new spaces were opened to visitors.
It is also worth noting that the Ontario Science Centre had a large collection of exhibits from aeronautics, agriculture, anatomy, botany, and other fields. In addition, it housed an aquarium and an arboretum.
However, the science museum was closed in 2024. The reason was infrastructure problems, specifically the risk of a roof collapse. First, in 2023, the pedestrian bridge was closed due to structural deterioration, which was followed by the closure of the Centre itself.
Following the closure, a report was released stating that repairs would cost at least $22 million and would take two years to complete.
The Ontario Science Centre was a unique institution and one of the most renowned science museums in the world. It captivated visitors with its fascinating exhibits and distinctive spaces.
We hope you found this article informative and learned something new about your home city.