“Obscurity is painful to the mind” (“Niejasność jest bolesna dla umysłu”) is a thought by David Hume, but it should be remembered that the author was not talking about the obscurity being hardened stupidity, but rather a simple lack of interest in knowledge.
Image by Da-Eye on flickr.com
Poles have taken the words of an 18th century philosopher to heart and play host to crowds in the Copernicus Science Centre (Centrum Nauki Kopernik) in Warsaw. It is one of the most important research institutions in Poland, which has become a victim of its own success. Multi-hour long queues have formed on the street outside the Centre by those eager to learn.
The beginning, the Big Bang, awaits everyone at the entrance. There is an artist’s impression of the beginning of the universe on the façade of the Copernicus building and inside everyone will discover how exciting the world really is. At the Copernicus Centre, there are nearly 500 exhibits in six themed galleries.
Which is faster, light or sound? You will discover this at the gallery called World in Motion (Świat w ruchu). Here, you can also see the particles of matter that are bombarding us from everywhere. Just duck! In the gallery Man and the Environment (Człowiek i Środowisko), you can compete with wild animals. You can learn about the laws that govern the urban jungle and rebuild Warsaw! In the Zone of Light (Strefa Światła), immersed in complete darkness, you can pretend to be Sherlock Holmes and discover the tricks our eyes that are eyes are playing on us! A time machine takes you on a journey through the history of the world in a section called The Roots of Civilization (Korzenie cywilizacji). A day in the past will be intense. You will build a bridge designed by the outstanding engineer Leonardo da Vinci and then relax at the opening of a gallery of prehistoric rocks. It is possible for the young to catch a butterfly in a net of their own shadow or fly like the bird in the gallery named “Bzzz!” Everyone knows a kaleidoscope very well, but to find yourself inside one, can only happen at the Copernicus Centre. Slightly older guests are invited into the human psyche. The human soul is dissected into its basic elements in the RE: Generation gallery. Here you will find out why we like Ola and cannot stand Michael and the mechanisms in showing remorse. Entry into the RE: Generation gallery is only for visitors over 14 years of age.
Once you know everything, the Copernicus Learning Centre invites guests to relax at the theatre. However, at the Copernicus Centre, everything is extraordinary. The theatre is robotic. Instead of actors, there are robots on the stage. The posters advertise the production, Prince Ferric and Princess Crystal and the Mystery of the Empty Closet, or The Spirits of the Fourth Dimension.
After a fascinating scientific adventure, visitors can relax in the Discovery Park, where they are tempted by futuristic green bananas, the already famous couches. In Discovery Park there is also a summer cinema, a laboratory under the clouds and a marina. Yes, you can come by boat to gain knowledge.
There is technology from the 21st century at the Copernicus Centre and the oldest ones that are so good that they are still used today. There are inventions of many Leonardo’s through the ages. The famous ones include a laser harp and a bed of nails, sometimes we do not know if it is science or science fiction. Also we can touch, use and figure out how everything works.
The rush of Polish people seeking knowledge would please Mr. Hume.
I visited this place when my daughter was only 3, but will definitely go back when she is older! Will you please share with us what did you think about this place? Please let us know in comments below:)
Do następnego razu… (Till next time…)
