Officially launched at Scienceworks in 2004, the Lightning Room offers 30 minute live shows that are informative, entertaining and electrifying!
Highlighting each show is the giant Tesla Coil, capable of generating more than two million volts of electricity to produce three metre lightning bolts.
Other displays include an electromagnetic can crusher, a Jacob’s ladder, lightning safety strategies and a high voltage pickle cucumber that can really light up your day!
A surcharge applies to Lightning Room shows.
Public shows are held daily. For session times and ticket prices visit What's On. Visit the Schools Programs for information on the education shows.
The High Voltage equipment was kindly donated by Telstra, following the closure of its Lightning Lab at the Telstra Research Laboratories.
The Lightning Room was funded by Victoria University and Museum Victoria with the generous support of Telstra, AGL, Agility, SP AusNet, Olex Cables, Ed Bondarenko & Associates and the Department of Innovation Industry & Regional Development.
Due to the awesome sparks and loud noises that our high voltage demonstrations produce the Lightning Room is not recommended for young children or infants. we recommend this experience for ages five and up.
The Lightning Room is suitable for people who have medical devices including metal implants, pacemakers, cochlear implants and hearing aids however guests with electronic medical devices should keep a separation of 1.8 metres from the Van De Graaff generator. To ensure utmost safety is upheld please follow the instructions of our friendly Scienceworks staff at all times.