Today the Maritime Science Center in Szczecin has officially opened to the public. It is the largest science center in West Pomerania and the largest facility of its kind in Poland dedicated to water and shipping.
On an area of 3100 sqm, divided into three floors, there are 213 exhibits that present various phenomena related to sailing, waves, wind, fishing or functioning of a port.
MCN is a unique place in Poland, but also on a European scale. Designing and creating so many exhibits and properly arranging the exhibition space was quite a challenge. As can be seen from the first, very positive feedback, we succeeded – emphasizes Marcin Wojczynski, president of TRIAS AVI – It is worth noting that the interior design refers to the maritime theme and boatbuilding, and for full authenticity, the materials used in the realization of individual exhibits are identical or very close to those used in shipping industry.
The exhibition is almost entirely interactive. By experiencing, rather than just observing the exhibits, assimilating knowledge of physics, mathematics, astronomy, geography, medicine, technology, ecology, sociology, history or culture is much easier.
The Marine Science Center invites you to discover the fascinating world of the sea through five thematic zones:
- All Ahead! tells about the construction, the process of designing and building of a ship and types of vessels, types of propulsion, ways of steering, the properties of water and its effect on vessels;
- Life at Sea presents occupations related to the sea, roles and tasks on a ship, tells about fishing, sailing, customs and traditions of seafaring people;
- The Sea Element focuses on water, wind, ice and how to tame the elements and protect oneself from it; in addition, visitors will learn how to prevent accidents, how to call for help, rescue operations and emergency services, underwater research, and learn about rescue equipment, emergency situations, and the life of a castaway;
- Which Way to Africa? presents cartography and ancient and modern methods of navigation, introduces world conquests, ocean voyages, global ship traffic and human impact on the seas and oceans;
- Chlap! is a water playground for children, equipped with dams, sluices, pumps, water cannons, thanks to which the youngest can understand the phenomena of electricity by analogy with water.
In addition to the aforementioned zones, the exhibition area also includes an exhibit showing a cross-section of a small ballast yacht, and “The Beauty of Water,” an art installation that allows creative experimentation with water and sound. In addition, a leisure area is available where visitors can use deck chairs and listen to the sound of waves coming from speakers.
It is worth noting that in addition to standard IT and AV installations, the MCN project had to include a complex plumbing system, with access to running water, inlets and outlets scattered throughout the exhibition, and a dedicated water treatment plant.
The exposition was realized by TRIAS AVI, which was responsible for concept development, architectural design, multimedia systems design, as well as set design and preparation of applications for multimedia devices, up to the construction and installation of the exhibits.
We hope that the MCN, like Copernicus Science Center in Warsaw, will permanently enter the list of must-see tourist attractions in Poland. I strongly encourage you to visit and experience this exhibition – concludes Marcin Wojczynski.