Universeum — Gothenburg’s Science Centre, Aquarium and Rainforest Dome

A concentrated world of science and living habitats

Universeum compresses global environments into one compact, multi-storey experience: you can pass from a humid, planted rainforest with free-roaming birds and reptiles to saltwater aquaria housing large fish and invertebrates, then into hands-on technology labs and chemistry corners. The building’s layered design funnels visitors past living exhibits, terrariums and tanks so the flow of sight, sound and scent changes noticeably as you move between zones.

Design that teaches through doing

Interactive installations are central: many exhibits invite you to touch, measure and experiment rather than only observe. Workbench-style tech zones encourage tinkering with simple machines and robotics; chemistry displays make invisible processes visible with safe, colourful demonstrations. The result is an educational architecture that stages curiosity — seating niches, low displays for small children and clear sightlines let families share discoveries across age groups.

Wisdome: the immersive dome cinema

A standout is the 360° visualization dome, a spherical theatre that projects astronomy sequences, data visualisations and cinematic science shows. The dome’s surround imagery and deep bass sound transform lectures into sensory experiences: stellar scale feels immediate, and underwater or microscopic journeys become spatially believable. Short shows rotate through themes so a single visit can include several distinct audiovisual programmes.

Living collections and animal care

Aquatic systems, terrariums and the rainforest are operated as living exhibits: filtration, water chemistry, temperature control and vegetation management are all visible parts of the presentation. You’ll notice engineered details such as viewing windows at different heights, touch pools for safe encounters and explanatory signage that links animal behaviour and habitat to larger environmental issues like conservation and sustainability.

A centre for schools, families and curious adults

Programming ranges from guided workshops and school curricula sessions to drop-in science shows and themed events for adults. The centre’s layout supports multiple rhythms: concentrated quiet corners for observation, demonstration stages for scheduled talks, and more boisterous activity areas where experiments and games take place. Facilities such as cafés and seating areas are placed to let groups pause without losing their place in the route.

Character and experience cues

Atmospherically, Universeum balances theatrical staging with functional clarity: warm planted spaces smell faintly of soil and chlorophyll near the rainforest, aquaria glow with filtered blue light, while the tech zones feel brighter and more clinical. Signage uses plain language and graphics to connect exhibits to scientific principles. The experience is intentionally layered — sensory, intellectual and practical — offering immediate thrills for children alongside deeper explanatory content for older visitors.