Discover the magic of the Casa de las Ciencias in A Coruña

If you've ever been curious about the universe, how things work, or just wanted to relive that spark of wonder that connects us with knowledge, the Casa de las Ciencias de A Coruña is your place. And I say this with all the authority that gives me having grown up visiting this magical place again and again, always discovering something new.

Today I want to share with you my experience with this very special museum and explain why it is worth a visit if you are in A Coruña (or even if you are not nearby, because believe me, it is worth the trip).

What is the Casa de las Ciencias de A Coruña?

Located in Santa Margarita Park, this octagonal mansion is a temple of interactive science. Since its inauguration in 1985, this museum has been dedicated to something very particular: making science exciting and accessible to all. It is the first of the three Museos Científicos Coruñeses, along with the Domus and the Aquarium Finisterrae, forming an impressive trilogy for lovers of knowledge.

When you enter, the first thing that grabs you is the impressive Péndulo de Foucault on the first floor. This device is not only beautiful to look at, but demonstrates something as profound as the rotation of the Earth. In my childhood, I would spend long minutes watching it and thinking, "So this is how our planet rotates". Later I discovered the planetarium, located in the dome of the building. It is there that you literally travel through the cosmos.

The highlight: No touching allowed!

The Science House has a unique philosophy: Here you are not only allowed to touch the exhibits, you are encouraged to do so. This interactive approach taught me that science is not something abstract or inaccessible, but something you can feel, taste and experience. From modules where you explore physical phenomena, to incubators where you can watch live chicken chicks being born (I swear that marked my childhood!), every corner has something that invites you to interact.

If you are passionate about astronomy, the planetarium is a must-see. There you can learn to recognize constellations, understand the movements of the planets and get carried away by the simulations of the universe. In addition, they often schedule specific sessions for the little ones, making even the youngest get hooked on the mysteries of the cosmos.

A little history

I'll tell you something curious: the building of the Casa de las Ciencias was originally an abandoned mansion in the Parque de Santa Margarita. It was rehabilitated to become this emblematic museum, designed to awaken scientific curiosity in all ages.

The project was the brainchild of Ramón Núñez Centella, who directed the museum until 2008. His vision of a place that would bring science closer to the public has been so successful that other centers in Spain were inspired by this model. Even Umberto Eco described the Casa de las Ciencias as "the most formidable museum in the world". And no wonder!

What can you find inside?

The experience is spread over several floors, each with something special to offer:

• Ground floor: In addition to the pendulum, there are temporary exhibitions and the famous incubator.
• First floor: This is where the hands-on experiences with phenomena from the physical environment begin.
• Second floor: A permanent exhibition dedicated to pendulums. Yes, more pendulums, but with fascinating details.
• Third floor: A display on how the media deals with astronomical topics.
• The Planetarium: The jewel in the crown. It offers digital and analog programs that immerse you in the cosmos.

My personal experience

As a child, every visit to the Casa de las Ciencias was an adventure. I distinctly remember the day I saw a chick hatch in the incubator. It was a school group, but I didn't care that my friends were more interested in joking around; I was mesmerized. From then on, science was not just something in books, but something alive.

Another moment that marked my adolescence was attending an evening session at the planetarium. There, the guide explained the constellations visible in the Galician sky in summer. I left there with a star map app on my mobile and the habit of looking at the sky whenever I could.

Practical information for your visit

• Hours: They vary according to the season, but in general it is open every day. In summer you can visit until 20:00 h, while in winter it closes at 18:00 h.
• Tickets: The prices are ridiculously affordable: only 2,06 € for adults and 1,03 € for reduced admission. In addition, there are combined vouchers to visit the Domus and the Aquarium Finisterrae.
• Location: In the heart of Santa Margarita Park, which also makes it a perfect plan to combine with a walk through this green area.

Why you should visit

The Casa de las Ciencias is not just a museum, it's an educational and exciting experience. Whether you go alone, with friends or as a family, there's always something to learn and enjoy. It's a place that taught me to look beyond, to ask questions and search for answers. And I'm not the only one: every year, thousands of people, from schoolchildren to tourists, pass through here and leave with a smile.

So, if you have the chance, don't hesitate any longer. Come discover how the Earth moves, how chicks are born, and what secrets the starry sky holds.