House of Entertaining Science and Technology (Kazan)

The House of Entertaining Science and Technology is an interactive science museum in Kazan, at 91 Gabdulla Tukay Street. It was the first science centre of its kind in the Republic of Tatarstan and is one of the largest interactive science and technology centres in Russia for children, young people and adults. Visitors do not just look at the exhibits here: they run experiments in physics, chemistry, mechanics and electricity.

History

The idea for the centre came from cosmonaut, engineer and scientist Georgy Grechko, twice Hero of the Soviet Union. The museum occupies the historic building of the former Furriers' House of Culture on Tukay Street. Today it is regarded as the main interactive science centre in Tatarstan, visited by families and school groups alike.

What to see

The highlight is the descent capsule of the Soyuz TMA-11M spacecraft, scorched on its way back through the atmosphere after 188 days in orbit. Next to it stand real aircraft: an L-29 Delfín jet trainer and a Mi-2 helicopter. One of the most spectacular installations is a Tesla coil.

At every stand visitors can carry out a small experiment of their own and see the laws of nature at work. The museum runs interactive tours, science programmes and lectures, as well as clubs. There are also workshops where participants build and launch model rockets and aircraft. Lessons take the form of educational games, puzzles and quests, so the museum suits both younger schoolchildren and adults.

Getting there

The address is 91 Gabdulla Tukay Street, Kazan. The nearest public transport stop is Ulitsa Salikha Saydasheva. The museum is easy to reach by bus, taxi or car.

Good to know

The museum welcomes visitors of all ages, though most programmes are designed for schoolchildren. Check the schedule and the workshops on the museum's official pages before you go.