Techniquest celebrates 40 years and seven million visitors

Daniel Bevan - Editor

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One of the UK’s best-known science discovery centres, Techniquest, is marking its 40th anniversary after reaching more than seven million visitors.

Founded in 1986 as the UK’s first purpose-built hands-on science centre, Techniquest was established by Professor John Beetlestone and colleagues from Cardiff University.

Its mission was to make science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) accessible through interactive learning, particularly for young people.

From modest beginnings in a former British Gas showroom in Cardiff, the organisation relocated to Cardiff Bay in 1988 before moving into its permanent waterfront building in 1995.

Over four decades, it has grown into a nationally recognised education charity with international reach, designing exhibits for science centres worldwide and delivering global outreach projects.

In the past three years alone, Techniquest has worked with nearly 50,000 people in the community and hosted more than 71,000 children on school visits, with funding secured to subsidise over 22,500 of those trips.

To coincide with its 40th anniversary, Techniquest is launching a year-long programme of events and new attractions aimed at boosting visitor numbers and deepening engagement.

Chief Executive, Sue Wardle, said: “As we celebrate the past, present and future of Techniquest this year, we’re genuinely excited by the range of different experiences we’ll be able to share with everyone.

“Over the Easter holidays, our new space on the second floor will be available for all our visitors to use: the Bradbury Create & Shape Zone gives families a chance to explore and get creative together ― with Spirographs, Lego, recycled materials to get hands-on with model-building and more, all set up to spark creativity and curiosity in equal measure.

“Then in the summer, we’ll be introducing new exhibits to the floor ready for the school holidays, with a special preview weekend on 11 & 12 July 2026.

“There will be some past old favourites, often requested by visitors ― like the Mirror Maze and Head on a Plate, alongside brand-new music-based pieces that lean into our focus on the conversation between science and the arts.

“There will be a live science show, hands-on lab workshops and extra Planetarium experiences too.

“In September, we hope to unveil an amazing, 6-metre suspended artwork of the Earth by Luke Jerram: ‘Gaia’. If funding bids are successful, it would be the first permanent installation of its kind in Wales and would take permanent pride of place in our original exhibition hall.

“We’re really excited by the prospect of bringing this inspiring installation to our visitors, as it would allow us to share our passion for the planet and the environment in a powerful new way, and to explore how we can help create a better future for generations to come.

Alongside programming, Techniquest is also adjusting its pricing and ticketing strategy to drive repeat visits and broaden access.

The anniversary programme will culminate in a private celebration event in November 2026 for those closely involved with the organisation.