Questacon - National Science and Technology Centre

Questacon – the National Science and Technology Centre, is located in Canberra, Australia. It is a large centre with more than 200 interactive exhibits relating to science and technology. It has many science programs that are devoted to inspiring the children of Australia to love science. 

History

Questacon is an interactive science centre that began as a project of the Australian National University (ANU), in spare space at the Ainslie Public School in Canberra.[1] It opened with 15 exhibits and was staffed entirely by volunteers by ANU physics lecturer Professor Mike Gore AM, whose great love of teaching both students and the general public inspired him to develop Australia's first interactive science centre, based on the Exploratorium in San Francisco. The name 'Questacon' combines two words— 'quest' meaning 'to discover' and 'con' meaning 'to study'. Professor Gore went on to become the founding Director of Questacon.

Questacon's current building was Japan's present to Australia for the 1988 Bicentenary and it was opened on 23 November 1988. Japanese government and business contributed ¥1 billion, half of the capital cost of A$19.64 million. Questacon was formerly housed at the old Ainslie Primary School.

Questacon is not an independent statutory authority but rather is a division of the Australian Government Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources (DISER). The director is Professor Graham Durant. Questacon's vision is "a better future for all Australians through engagement with science and innovation".

On Thursday 18 September 2008 a review of Questacon was released. The review was commissioned by Minister Kim Carr and chaired by John Simpson of National Australia Bank. Among other recommendations, the review calls for Questacon to be established as a statutory authority.

Address: King Edward Terrace, Parkes ACT 2600, Australia
Opened: November 23, 1988
Hours: Closed ⋅ Opens 9AM Sun