You can call Science City the massive science centre in the Indian sub continent. The place is under the National Council of Science Museums. It is also governed by the Ministry of Culture and you even have the Government of India supervising the existence and running of the centre. Science City stands as the distinct landmark in Kolkata and Saroj Ghosh is the person to conceptualise the place in the year 1997. The inauguration of the centre happened in two parts. First you have the Convention Centre Complex and this started on the day of 21st December 1996. The initiative was taken by Paul Joseph Crutzen and this happened in the presence of the chief minister Jyoti Basu. The centre was unleashed under the supervision and initiative of the Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral. This happened on the 1st of July 1997.
The inauguration of the 2nd phase of the Science City happened on 10th January 2010 under the supervision of Manmohan Singh the then prime minister of India. At the time the chief minister of West Bengal was Mr. Buddhadev Bhattacharya.
The Places to See at Science City
The Dynamotion Hall
Here you have the best display of the hands on and the interactive machineries and these are based on various science topics. Here the visitors are encouraged to enjoy the props and they can even have the perfect understanding of the scientific principles. At the Hall you have the permanent exhibition on the Illusions. This one holds the interactive exhibits. This is also the place to explore the method of motion and the placement and this is sure to cause a difference in the visual perception. You have the Power of Ten at the Hall. There is even the Fresh Water Aquarium and the Live Butterfly Enclave.
The Earth Exploration Hall
Next, it is time to visit the Earth Exploration Hall. This was being inaugurated on 6th December in the year 2008 and the initiative was taken by Ambika Soni the then Union Minister of Culture in India. This is a permanent exhibition based on earth and this houses the double storied hemispherical edifice that is known for displaying the detailing of the southern hemisphere. You can see the southern hemisphere on the ground floor and the detailing of the northern hemisphere is shown on the first floor. In this case the earth globe is divided into 12 segments and you even get an idea about the collection of fauna and flora on earth. You have more things being displayed like technology and attractive visuals. There are more things like the interactive multimedia, panoramic videos, video walls computer kiosks and tilting table. There is even the 3D effects theatre and you have to watch the same wearing a special Polaroid spectacle.
The Evolution Park
The children would love to visit the Evolution Park. Here you are sure to have a themed tour of 1300 square metre and at the place you have seven large walks and you are made to pass through the dioramas with all the 71 robotic prehistoric animals and species. You have all the 26 varieties of dinosaurs and you can even see the 140 early plant models and these belong to the specific periods. The park portrays the details of the evolution of the animal life and especially of the species that are extinct.
The Space Odyssey
At the Space Odyssey you have the Space Theatre and this is well provides with the Helios Star Ball planetarium which is being supported by the 150 projectors with all the special effects. There is even the Atrovision and the Massive Format film Projection mechanism and these are housed under the tilted dome and these have the unidirectional seating arrangements and with this more than 360 people can sit together and watch the science show. There are more things like the 3D Vision Theatre, the Mirror Magic and the Time Machine.
The Maritime Centre
One can even visit the maritime centre and learn about the marirtime historic specialty. At the place you will come to see the dioramas and the artefacts and there is even the interactive exhibition based on the navigation and the shipping system. Here, you can even participate at the unmanned quiz corner.
The Science Park
There is the exclusive Science Park to visit. Here you get introduced to the plants and the animals and other things among the natural surroundings. Here you get to learn about the basic science principles and the learning takes place on the open air environment. The exhibits here have been properly engineered to withstand the climactic variations. The Science Park is an integral part of the NCSM centres. As part of the park you have the Caterpillar Ride, the Musical Fountain, the Gravity Coaster, the Cable Cars, the Road Train, the Butterfly Nursery, the Monorail Cycle and there are other physical science and life science stuffs and it is fun to be a part of the lush green atmosphere. The Science City is visited by people from various parts of the country.
With the Grand Theatre, the Mini Auditorium and the Seminar Building it is a great opportunity to see the unseen and explore the unexplored.