At Moscow's Experimentanium museum, wonders begin the moment you step through the door: everything around sparkles, clangs and crackles. The interactive museum occupies three floors, and on each of them visitors will find fascinating exhibits that can and should be interacted with! The galleries' displays explain natural phenomena such as electricity, acoustics, optics, magnetism and hydrodynamics. The playful presentation of the material engages children in the process of learning the laws of physics.
The capital's first interactive science museum came into being thanks to economists and responsible parents Natalia Potapova and Philip Samarts. They conceived Experimentanium as a place for the whole family where you can spend time having fun and learning without gadgets. Surprisingly — and it's true — there isn't a single screen in the museum. In addition, Experimentanium holds a license as an extracurricular education institution. With the help of experienced guides, children gain practical understanding of complex topics from the school curriculum.
The museum's creators were inspired by the work of Soviet mathematician, science popularizer and author of the book 'Entertaining Physics', Yakov Perelman. He was the one who introduced the term 'popular science' into common use and was among the first to explain science in language accessible to a wide audience. They also studied the experience of the American museum the Exploratorium, which was opened in the 1960s by Frank Oppenheimer, the brother of the creator of the atomic bomb. Experimentanium inherited the best traits of the popular-science tradition and embodies them in its educational activities.
Another distinctive feature of the museum is that all exhibits are created in-house. At first the exhibits were ordered abroad, but that proved expensive and unreliable. So in the museum's early years Philip teamed up with the manufacturing firm of a former classmate who made exhibition equipment. Experimentanium's exhibition is updated annually. Natalia and Philip are actively involved in developing the exhibits and closely supervise all stages of production: from sketches to the finished product.
The museum carries out extensive work to popularize science. Based at Experimentanium is the popular-science lecture series 'Scientists — for Children'; an inclusive program for children with disabilities called 'Accessible Science' is implemented, as well as the 'Lesson at the Museum' program. Engaging workshops, show programs and themed mini-tours are also held.
