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Kick-off to anniversary starts with a
'bang' as 2009 marks the International Year of Astronomy
The year 1969 was a landmark year in
science for many reasons: humans took their first steps on the
moon, the world's first version of the internet was created, and
the Boeing 747 took its first flight. What many Canadians don't
realize however is that 1969 marked another very important
development, right in their own backyard: the birth of the
Ontario Science Centre, a pioneer in creating experiences that
made science accessible.
Forty years after it was established as one of the world's first
interactive science museums, the Ontario Science Centre is
celebrating its anniversary as one of Canada's most visited
cultural attractions and one of the world's leading science
centres.
The Ontario Science Centre has planned an exciting lineup of
events and exhibitions over its celebratory year, including four
temporary exhibitions: Sultans of Science: 1000 Years of
Knowledge Rediscovered, The Science of Spying, Lizards & Snakes
Alive! and a blockbuster soon to be announced; three new IMAX
films; the signature annual fundraising event, the Innovators'
Ball, in April 2009; and an innovative Science of Food program
over the summer months.
At a news conference today, Ontario Culture Minister Aileen
Carroll announced a new $1 million funding investment to support
the promotion of Ontario Science Centre's remarkable lineup of
exhibitions during its 40th anniversary year. This investment is
provided through the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund, which
helps develop, promote and present unique events and
exhibitions.
2009 also marks the International Year of Astronomy (IYA), which
recognizes the 400th anniversary of the use of the telescope by
Galileo Galilei for astronomical discovery. The Ontario Science
Centre will celebrate the IYA with a series of special events,
starting with the Toronto Astronomy Festival on January 10,
2009. In addition to the festival, the Ontario Science Centre
will offer lectures by renowned speakers, introductory astronomy
courses, free star parties, the CONTACT astrophotography
exhibition, two new planetarium shows, solar observing,
sleepovers and many more special events. Mayor David Miller, on
behalf of Toronto City Council, officially proclaimed January
10, 2009 as "International Year of Astronomy Kick-Off Day in
Toronto".
QUOTES
"When the Ontario Science Centre first opened its doors in 1969
it was
considered revolutionary," said Lesley Lewis, CEO of the Ontario
Science
Centre. "Visitors were encouraged to push buttons, bang on
things, listen and
really learn by interacting with science. Today, the Ontario
Science Centre
continues to reinvent itself by creating relevant, science
related experiences that challenge, engage and inform our
visitors about themselves and the world around them. This is an
incredible time for people to visit us, not once, but several
times throughout the year."
"Science and innovation are key ingredients for a strong
knowledge-based economy," said Culture Minister Aileen Carroll.
"Our government is proud to support a remarkable line-up of
events that will continue to build on the Centre's 40 year
record of inspiring visitors through programs that celebrate
science and discovery."
QUICK FACTS
- The Ontario Science Centre officially celebrates its
40th anniversary on September 26, 2009
- The Ontario Science Centre is continually evolving and
reinventing itself. Since 2003, the Science Centre has
transformed over 60 percent of its public space including,
KidSpark, Weston Family Innovation Centre, TELUSCAPE, Space
Hall and Rainforest.
- With over a million visitors each year, half of whom
come from the GTA, the Ontario Science Centre is an
important resource for local schools and families to
actively experience and engage with science
- Since 1969, the Ontario Science Centre has touched the
lives of more than 40 million people of all ages and origins
whether they be tourists visiting from abroad, high school
students participating in a special program or adults taking
a tour of a special feature exhibition.
About the Ontario Science Centre
The Ontario Science Centre uses science as the lens to inspire
and actively engage people in new ways of seeing, understanding
and thinking about themselves and the world. The Ontario Science
Centre is an agency of the Government of Ontario.
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