Techniquest is bringing back two of its most beloved exhibits — the Mirror Maze and Head on a Plate — to mark its 40th anniversary.
The new versions will give people the chance to relive childhood memories while introducing a new generation to the exhibits that helped make Techniquest a firm family favourite, it said.
Established in 1986, Techniquest — the UK's first purpose-built, hands-on science discovery centre — has been inspiring curiosity and creating lasting family memories for four decades.
Since opening its doors, the centre has welcomed more than seven million visitors and today offers over 130 hands-on exhibits, from puzzles and contraptions to larger-than-life interactive experiences. While many exhibits have evolved over the years, some original favourites remain at the heart of the visitor experience, restored and reimagined to continue bringing scientific principles to life in accessible and memorable ways.
Gareth McTiffin, Director of Experiences at Techniquest, said:
“The Bernoulli Blower was one of the very first exhibits on display at Techniquest at its original British Gas Showrooms home in the 1980s. It was a favourite of our founder, Professor John Beetlestone, and has remained a favourite with visitors for decades. While it has been refurbished and updated over the years, the science behind it remains the same. It's a fun, hands-on way to explore the Bernoulli principle, which explains how aircraft stay in the air.
“As we celebrate 40 years of discovery this year, we're excited to be bringing back some of the exhibits that people remember most fondly. The Mirror Maze and Head on a Plate have sparked countless conversations and family photos over the years, and we're looking forward to seeing families sharing those joyful optical illusions once again. They're a reminder that science can be educational and entertaining at the same time.”
Alongside these recreated classics, Techniquest will unveil several new exhibits, including three with a musical theme which explore the science of sound. On the Laser Harp, you can make music with light beams instead of strings; with Build a Melody you can create your own unique tune by constructing a giant xylophone; and at the Playful Looper, you can sing or play different percussion rhythms to lay down and replay your own beat.
Product Design students from Cardiff Met have also played their part in designing two brand new exhibits of the future for Techniquest. Earlier this year, 14 teams of two students developed exhibit concepts specifically for Techniquest, and their ideas were presented to Techniquest CEO, Sue Wardle and Exhibition Manager, Georgia Hatton. From these, two were chosen to be taken forward to become fully realised exhibits on the exhibition floor. Structures Under Stress gives visitors the challenge of building creations that could withstand an earthquake; while the other new exhibit explores electric currents and magnetic fields, as described by Lenz’s Law.
Sue Wardle, Techniquest CEO said:
“The overarching theme for our anniversary celebrations is 40 Years of Discovery: celebrating the past, present and future. By bringing back old favourites like the Mirror Maze, introducing more current musical exhibits from existing manufacturers, and working alongside the designers of the future, we’re giving a nod to where we’ve come from and where we’re heading. It’s been a privilege to see how the students from the Product Design course at Cardiff Met threw themselves into their work to create potential new exhibits for us. Judging a sole winner from the 14 presented was so difficult that we had to choose two.
“For more than 40 years, Techniquest has inspired curiosity and a love of science across Wales, and we are determined to carry that forward for the next 40 years. Among the seven million people we’ve engaged with are individuals who have gone on to become scientists, technicians and engineers. We’re keen to hear more stories from people who remember visiting when they were children, especially if they remember playing with some of the old favourites like the Mirror Maze or the Bernoulli Blower. There’s a Memories page up on our website now where people can share them with us; and if they’re willing to share some old photographs too, we’d love to see them.”
Alongside the introduction of the new exhibits this summer, a new live science show will be staged in the Science Theatre, pitting some of Techniquest’s very best explosive demonstrations from the last 40 years against each other in Battle of the Bangs. Slime workshops will be running in the KLA Lab, and a variety of Star Tours are happening in the 360° Planetarium, along with environmental science activities taking place on the exhibition floor, hosted by a team of live science presenters.
Techniquest is part of the Great British Summer Savings scheme that lowers VAT on tickets for attractions between 25 June and 1 September 2026. The savings will be passed directly on to Techniquest visitors through lower ticket prices with full day admission tickets from £11.93 during this savings period. Discounts are also available for Blue Light Card holders, and recipients of Universal Credit can access a limited ticket offer to make a visit to Techniquest more affordable for families this summer. Customers planning to travel by train can benefit from a 50% saving on tickets through the National Rail Days Out scheme, and a 25% saving in the gift shop through a long-standing partnership with Transport for Wales.
Tickets are now on sale for Techniquest’s A-Mazing Summer (11 July – 2 September 2026) with the launch weekend on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 July 2026. Visitors eager to be among the first to experience the new exhibits, live shows and workshops are encouraged to book ahead at techniquest.org.
