Review: Science Center Spectrum

There's no shortage of fun museums in Berlin, so while the weather is cold and dismal, it's a great time to explore what's on offer. I took Buzz Lightyear and Sheriff Woody to the Science Center Spectrum yesterday, and had a great time getting involved with all their interactive experiments. The boys are 3 and 5, so a lot of the 'science' behind the displays and equipment is a bit over their heads (and mine at times tbh, I've never been much of a science bod!), but nevertheless, taking part in all the fun stuff kept them entertained for a few hours. 

We  cycled to the museum through Gleisdreieck Park, but it's a very short walk from Möckernbrücke U Bahn station. Simply make your way through the car park towards the red brick building, sitting in the shadow of the rather large Technik Museum (the one with the large plane sticking out of the roof.) What the Technik Museum lacks in interactivity for the kids, Spectrum more than makes up for. The entrance is via the large steps or ramp to the right of the red building and after buying your tickets, you can check in your coats and bags for free (bags are not allowed in the museum unless you have a buggy and can stick them underneath) and head in to a world of experiments. If you turn to the right, past the little cafe (where you can eat your own food too) you will find a small extension to the Technik Museum -  a large room full of cars, motorbikes, carts and caravans - this is the only space that isn't quite so interactive for little ones, but the boys managed to find wheels to spin and pulleys with information on to pull down. There's also lovely orange Trabant in the middle of the space, that the children can climb in and 'drive', but unfortunately it was closed while we were there. 

Then it's time to go into the main part of the museum and experience Spectrum at it's hands-on best. My tip is to make your way up to the top floor and work your way down. There are lifts for those with pushchairs or wheelchairs. The top floor is full of lots of noise experiments playing with air, movement and the like. It's fine for the kids to run around the rooms, and staff are always on hand if you have any questions about any of the experiments. Button pressing opportunities are everywhere, much to the delight of both of my children and they loved to make all the different noises. For those going with older children, there is the opportunity to help them understand the science behind each piece, in a fun and relaxed way. 

As you make your way through the center, there are rooms on each side of the central corridor and as you make your way down the floors, you will be faced with a range of experiments to try out. Some of Buzz and Woody's favourites were the plasma tubes and spheres and the weight swings. There is also a Witch's House in which you can sit, while it spins around you, which I found a very dizzying experience. My youngest didn't like it, but the elder one loved it. The house only spins at certain times of day, so check with reception. There are announcements through the museum when it's about to start though too. 

Probably the best bit of the museum for me and the boys was the mirror room, full of all different mirrors creating fat and long reflections, funny illusions to create and fun places to run through, watching your many reflections. We spent a long time there, laughing and running around. 

It's worth knowing that the admission price you pay for Spectrum covers you for the Technik Museum too, but I have no idea how anyone could manage both in a day, as they are both so huge and hugely entertaining. We didn't get around the whole of Spectrum, as their young minds can only take 2-3 hours of such stimulation, but we will be back to discover the rest very soon. 

Science Center Spectrum

Website: Science Center Spectrum (website in English and German)
Where: Möckernstraße 26, 10963 Berlin
Food & Drinks: Yes (although the food is generally snack food) 
Nearest Transport:
U Bahn
U1, U7 Möckernbrücke
U1, U2 Gleisdreieck
S Bahn
S1, S2, S25 Anhalter Bahnhof
Bus
M29 to Schöneberger Brücke
M41 to Willy-Brandt-Haus
248 to Obentrautstraße

Prices:
Admission: €8 / Concessions €4
Family Ticket: 1 adult & 2 children up to 14 €9
Maxi Family Ticket: 2 adults & 3 children up to 14 €17

Children 5 years old and under are free.

Opening Times:
Tuesday - Friday 9am - 5.30pm
Saturday & Sunday 10am - 6pm
Monday closed
Public Holidays 10am - 6pm


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