S'poreans Wonder If Science Centre Singapore Is Still Worth A Visit? Some Say Too Many Screens, Not Enough Hands-On Exhibits

When was the last time you visited Science Centre Singapore?

And no, we're not counting that compulsory school excursion.

A Reddit discussion on October 26 has sparked a debate among Singaporeans over whether the attraction in Jurong East is still worth visiting.

And judging from the comments, not everyone's feeling the magic anymore.

"I find it's too much screen-based things there, not enough 'analog' / scientific phenomena-based things," wrote one Redditor.

The commenter recalled an older exhibit featuring a plastic figure that visitors could use to demonstrate an electric arc simply by pressing a button.

"Too many of the exhibitions especially the ones on second floor are focused on robots and AI. Don't enjoy it," another lamented.

Which is rather ironic, considering how much time most of us already spend staring at screens.

Imagine putting your phone away for a day out, only to find yourself looking at... more screens.

But perhaps what these visitors really miss is the hands-on experience of interacting with something physical, rather than yet another digital display.

After all, there's something strangely satisfying about pressing a button and watching an actual science experiment come to life.

But are we just getting too old for Science Centre?

Not everyone agreed that the attraction had lost its appeal.

One parent, for instance, had a rather different take.

"It's definitely an age thing,” they laughed.

“I thought it was run down and boring but my kids love it. They have been asking me to bring them there every school holiday," they added.

Well, there's a thought.

Could it be that some of us are judging Science Centre based on what excites us as adults, rather than what its younger visitors actually enjoy?

An exhibit that seems pretty basic to someone who already understands the science behind it could still be mind-blowing to a child encountering it for the first time.

And clearly, some families are still finding plenty of reasons to return.

The discussion also turned into a bit of a nostalgia trip, with Redditors reminiscing about their favourite Science Centre memories.

One recalled the days when Science Centre sold freeze-dried ice cream and McDonald's served XXL-sized soft drinks.

Remember those?

The commenter also brought up the Young Scientist Badge Scheme, where students completed science-related activities, got their teachers to approve them and collected badges for their efforts.

And guess what? The programme is still around.

Others fondly remembered the fire tornado and older interactive exhibits that let visitors witness scientific phenomena firsthand.

So while some aren't particularly impressed by the newer displays, there's clearly still an appetite for the kind of experiences that make science feel like, well, science.

A new Science Centre is coming

For those hoping the attraction gets a refresh, there's already something to look forward to.

A new Science Centre Singapore is being built in the Jurong Lake District, near Chinese Garden MRT station, with its opening targeted for end-2027.

The new facility is expected to be around 25 per cent larger than the current Science Centre, with updated exhibition spaces and a mix of indoor and outdoor learning experiences.

And at least one Redditor is already optimistic.

"New Science Center is in the works. Perhaps it will rekindle your spark," they wrote.

And perhaps that's the real challenge for the new Science Centre, making science exciting for people who have grown up with technology at their fingertips?