Scienceworks After Dark: Celebrate the Solstice

Discover how polarised lenses can change light and what you see. / Source: Museums Victoria / Photo: Eugene Hyland

Step into a vibrant, hands-on world of colour, illusion and perception. Colour: See the World in a New Light is an interactive science exhibition from Questacon featuring 21 playful exhibits that explore how colour is created, changed and understood. 

Discover the astronomical meaning of the winter solstice in this specially curated live 30-minute planetarium show. Journey through the galaxy, gaze up at Melbourne’s night sky and learn how the sun’s path changes throughout the seasons. Then fly off planet Earth and out among the stars to see spectacular views of astronomical destinations and marvel at the beauty of the vast universe.  

Guests love a craft activity during adults-only events at Scienceworks.  / Source: Museums Victoria / Photo: Phoebe Powell

Brighten up the dark evenings with a classic winter solstice activity - lantern making! Throughout history, cultures all around the world have used lanterns and other sources of light to make it through the longest night of the year. They symbolised hope for the brighter days to come. Craft your very own lantern to light your way through this winter solstice!  

This stunning art/science installation showcases our breathtaking Moon – four metres in diameter and featuring realistic details of the lunar surface. Gaze up at its wonders in the Planetarium Foyer.

Source: Museums Victoria / Photo: Jon Augier

Sportsworks is a place to leap, run, throw and row. You can race against Cathy Freeman, try out for soccer goalkeeper, and zoom down the slopes in our snowboarding simulator. You'll also find out why sports have their own specialised footwear, balls and other gear.

Think Ahead imagines how advances in science will change the way we live. With more than 200 objects from the past, the present and the speculative future, this exhibition blends technology with hands-on experiences. It will inspire you to research, think creatively and share your ideas.