The highly-anticipated Esplora Interactive Science Centre at Bighi in Kalkara is opening to the public on Friday.
The centre promises to be a unique visitor attraction, offering a very enjoyable experience that will make science more appealing and fun for everyone.
On the day, tickets to visit the exhibit areas inside the centre will be against normal fees (€6 for adults and €3 for children under 12). A ticket into Esplora would get the visitor inside the main building where the main exhibit halls are spread out on three floors accessible via lifts or the impressive helical staircase.
Once inside, visitors may interact with cutting-edge installations that deal with different aspects of science, from electricity and magnetism to forces and motion, human biology, music, media and much more.
Each exhibit has been constructed to be handled directly by visitors of all ages. Here everyone is encouraged to touch, feel and use the exhibits in a hands-on, body-on, mind-on approach. The basement level of the main building is intended for explorers aged eight and under and includes ball machines and an art machine, leading on to the garden for more exploration and safe outdoor fun.
However, a free access programme with several activities in different areas will also be taking place. This includes face painting and balloon modelling for children, close-up magic shows and juggling.
Throughout the evening, stage shows will take place in five main areas. The Plaza Area kicks off at 5.30pm with Kimberley Manicaro followed by Ozzy Lino and band at 7pm, the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra Percussion Ensemble at 8.30pm, a stand-up comedy science show The Chemistry of Temptation (Part 1) at 9pm, the orchestra once again at 9.30pm and part two of the stand-up show at 10pm.
Ivan Grech from Winter Moods will take to the stage at 10.30pm with the evening coming to an end at midnight with a grand finale fireworks display.
The Villa will host a showcase exhibition put up by Mcast students between 1pm and 8pm, while the Activity Centre will focus on the science of whisky making, wine making and beer making throughout the afternoon and evening.
Playscape will host a concert by The Travellers between 9pm and 10.30pm and the Viewing Point will provide both a lounge chill-out area as well as the chance for night-time observation sessions with the Malta Astronomical Society.
■ Following the official open day being held on Friday, Esplora will then open its doors to the public on November 1. For more information, call 2360 2138 during office hours or look up Esplora on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.