#Technopolisbuilds - Technopolis

Until mid-June 2022

Replacement of experiments on the ground floor and first floor

Phase 4 of our renovation (see further) is finally underway! Step by step we are replacing experiments in our main exhibition with brand-new ones.

As from the beginning of May, our climbing wall, photo corner and VR paragliding will become (temporarily) inaccessible. As from 11 May, we will be bringing in the big equipment and making space on part of the lower floor. As from 16 May, it will also be time to tackle a section of the ground floor (on the right as you come in). If everything goes according to plan, by the end of May, you will see all kinds of new experiments appear on the lower and ground floors. In the first two weeks of June, we will finish off by setting up lots of new experiments in the zone where you could previously find our sports experiments. Will you be among the first to come and test them out?

We are doing all we can to avoid disruption.

What is new and what is still to come?

If you’ve recently visited Technopolis, you will have noticed STEK, our brand new zone for young makers, and Sea Force. And Step by step, we are replacing experiments in our main exhibition with brand new ones. This is all part of a very ambitious plan to make Technopolis future-proof.

1. STEK (since 2019) ✅

In 2019, we set up a special area for young people aged between 14 and 18 where (under normal circumstances) we regularly organize workshops. Since March 2020 there is also a gigantic Tower (yes, with capital T) where young makers can exchange thoughts and where (amongst many other things) talks are organised.

2. Sea Force (since July 1st 2021) ✅

Science and technology are the key to a sustainable future. In Sea Force, a brand-new digital zone we show what that future might look like for seas and ports. Thanks to remarkable use of technology, you can take a deep-dive into water, as it were. Without getting wet, you can build a windmill, discover fish species with a drone and place artificial reefs.

Dive into the future

With the support of

3. Pure Zone: Phase 1 (since winter 2021) ✅

Pure science! That’s what we’ll be offering you in the Pure Zone, an ode to a whole series of basic science principles. The exhibits in this zone are classics without which Technopolis wouldn’t be the same.

4. Pure Zone: Phase 2 (winter and spring 2022)

The Pure Zone is created in two phases. In the second phase, we expand the existing Pure Zone to become a large space filled with must-see science classics.

5. Children’s Science Centre: Phase 1

Our science paradise for the very young is in for a thorough renovation and expansion! First, we add a ground floor to the Children’s Science Centre.

6. Children’s Science Centre: Phase 2

Our popular Water Zone, which stood in the main exhibition space, will move to the Children’s Science Centre.

7. Children’s Science Centre: Phase 3

After we’ve added an entire ground floor to the Children’s Science Centre, we’ll tackle the first floor and renovate it top to bottom. When we’re done, this zone targeted at 4- to 8‑years old will look brand new.

It just gets better and better!

Over the next few years, you’re going to see a lot of change at Technopolis. Don’t worry; it’ll all get (even) better. But, before that happens, you’ll come across a closed sign or a fence here and there. We admit that’s not always nice. But change is needed to move forward.

Because not only the exhibition space is undergoing significant changes. We also have a lot of infrastructural changes planned.

Infrastructure improvements

Here are a number of works, in random order:

Refurbishment of the reception and shop (adapted flow)
Renewal of the Workshop and the Lab
Renovation of the restaurant, the coffee corner and the picnic area
A shelter at the entrance
New signposts
…

And the price tag?

The Flemish Government grants us a one-off investment of €10 million to completely renew Technopolis and to make it future-proof. As of the end of this year, you will already reap the benefits of this investment. That’s a promise!

This project can be realized thanks to the support of the Science Communication Policy of the Flemish Government.

“We are in the midst of a significant change where we want to evolve into a place where children can experience the future, discover their talents and (more than ever) become fascinated with science and technology.The last two years, we have been working very hard to support this growth and, together with all stakeholders (companies, educational partners, government) we have written a plan to achieve our ambition.”

Stephane Berghmans, CEO Technopolis

Renewal