Basic information
Fort Science is an interactive scientific museum of the Palacky University in Olomouc. Its goal is to introduce all age groups to science and research in an entertaining way. It is located in an architecturally and historically unique building, a former military warehouse from the 19th century, which has been successfully transformed into an advanced science centre. Visitors to the Fortress get entertained and educated through interactive science exhibits and a digital planetarium. Thanks to its unique atmosphere, where rich history meets dynamic present, the Fortress of knowledge offers an inspiring environment where the general public, students and employees of the Palacky University can get together.
Exhibitions at the Fortress of Knowledge:
Science in the Fortress
What the Fortress was like at a time when it served as refuge not for science but troops? We will let you know through various sections of a large and rich exhibition. You will learn about trades, health care, construction, ballistics and cartography. Starring the erratic 18th century and the army, which has always had an easy access to the latest scientific and technical know-how. You will also enjoy the landmark of the exhibition in the form of a humorous comic’s story on twelve large-size panels. It tells the story of the birth of the Olomouc fortress and engagingly summarizes events, where even Maria Theresa and Emperor Franz Joseph I appear.
Living water
Dive into a riverbed and examine in detail the water flow from the spring down to the river mouth. You will be amazed by the sheer dominance of the river in nature and, of course, you will learn about its inhabitants, such as hermit crabs, a family of snails, swift longtail tadpole shrimps or mysterious fairy shrimps. Definitely do not miss the model of a fascinating undersea limestone cave, where 15 kinds of rare animals are awaiting you! You will experience the “living water” firsthand once you decide to try out the flood model of Olomouc. Are you really sure you know how a large flooding would affect our city?
Collect your wits
Would you like to learn all about the basic principles of human knowledge? You can enter (with up to 7 other people!) into an eight meter large brain model and get answers to all your questions. A neural network in all its complex glory will appear in front of you via light projection. This exhibition will surely make your head spin. Is this still not enough? Then there’s the tricky mathematical part of the exhibition, featuring, among others, a model of the famous Enigma cipher machine or an original wooden 3D Tic Tac Toe game. Overwhelmed by this, you can dare to try out a device used even on the International Space Station – the so-called gyroscope, whose rotating will either fully throw you off balance or propel you into an elevated state of mind.
Light and darkness
How do we see the world around us? You will find the answers in an exhibition dedicated to the basic principles of light. All the attention goes to the seven-meter large dome of the digital planetarium allowing you to rise right into the centre of the cosmic ocean. During the flight through the cosmos you will greet the stars and all the planets and get familiar with various astronomical phenomena.
Keep your eyes open, because when you come back to earth, you can visit a unique model of an eyeball. You will get to know in detail the construction of your own eye and you will try to see the world through the eyes of a fly or a dragonfly.
More at www.pevnostpoznani.cz
Opening hours:
Tue – Fri 9:00 – 17:00
Sat – Sun 9:00 – 18:00