Discovering42

An immersive and unique space to explore interactive, up-cycled artworks that delve into the peculiarities of science. Winner of the National Museum and Heritage Awards 2022.

If you’re looking for something different, this exhibition is for you. Great for all ages to learn through play, prepare to be baffled and amazed!

This exhibition is about as environmentally friendly as they come. Everything has been carefully crafted with waste or reclaimed materials. Follow the stories that are entwined in each exhibit; where it’s components came from and how it was transformed.

Reimagining Reality is a pilot to test and refine our approach and is a step towards setting up a permanent science and art center in Cornwall. We would love to get your thoughts on it and any ideas you have.

Discovering42 uses art and traditional hands-on interactivity as a catalyst to bring to life physics, chemistry, engineering and environmental issues. The current exhibition is constantly evolving and is crafted with upcycled materials and objects, from the exhibits to the walls, floors and ceilings.

There is no other dedicated science museum in Devon or Cornwall and a lack of child-friendly art venues, so many families miss out. Informal learning is a key way to become engaged with subjects you might not normally find interesting. Our society needs critical thinkers if we are going to solve our climate crisis and we feel it all starts with making science relevant and approachable, creating a space to experiment and inspiring us all to feel we can contribute.

You should allow two hours to fully immerse yourself into the exhibition. Book tickets for up to 8 people in a timed slot to keep everyone spaced out and able to fully enjoy the exhibition. Please try to arrive within the half an hour entry slot, you are welcome to stay as long as you like.

Please read before booking:

We feel it’s important that children are allowed to get hands-on. We ask parents and carers to be vigilant and understand there are exhibits with mechanisms that pose a risk of injury if misused. Children will need to be supervised at all times. There are loud noises and strobe lighting effects. Contact us before your visit if you have concerns. Several exhibits contain small parts such as marbles and are not recommended for under 3’s. There are strong magnets, if you or a member of your group have a pacemaker sensitive to magnetic fields please contact us before you book.