When crossing the Ventspils bridge towards the city centre, the copper coloured sparkling VIZIUM building with one of its sides reaching high to the sky will not go unnoticed. The author of the idea behind the VIZIUM building is Audrius Ambrasas (Lithuania), who created the silhouette of VIZIUM in shape of a dune, thus connecting it with the seashore of the Ventspils city. The particular silhouette of the building makes one wonder about what it most resembles, thus showing how differently we perceive the world around us. To many, the shape of the VIZIUM resembles a wave or a slide, while young people mostly compare it to the skateboard ramp. What about you?

Many people ask about the meaning of the VIZIUM and wonder if it has anything to do with a vision. In order to choose the most appropriate name for the Ventspils Science Centre, several surveys among the local residents were conducted, the names of a number of European and international children science and innovation centres were analysed, various specialists were engaged, and a contest of ideas among pupils was organised. VIZIUM means: "V" for Ventspils, "I" for innovations, "ZI" for science, and "um" for centre (centrum) and it symbolises the vision, mission, value, communication, determination, efficiency, and identity. The author of this idea is the local resident Aleksandrs Bobrovs.

Ventspils in the centre of the world!The Ventspils Science Centre is impressive not only from the outside, but also from the inside. Upon opening the entrance door, one can see the spacious lobby. Our attention is immediately captured by the lobby floor, which is designed as a world map. Ventspils is located in the centre of the map. At this very spot, beneath the ground, there is a time capsule with a message for future generations built in the foundations. The floor is made of more than 600 000 Murano glass mosaic tiles. The world's best mosaic specialists worked on this floor covering in Italy. By means of traditional techniques, each tile was cut separately, and the mosaic put together manually.Test your strength!There are more than 80 exhibits and simulators in 7 different technology and science galleries that will encourage the acquisition of STEM in an interactive and exciting way and allow the visitors to have memorable experiences. One of them is the Gallery of Healthy Lifestyle, where the visitors will be able to have some real exercises and test their strength at rowing and cycling or even to learn to snowboard!Exploring the world of virtual realityThe Science Centre VIZIUM will allow everyone to explore the world of virtual reality. If you seek for some adrenaline rush, take a VR roller-coaster ride, dive into the world of virtual reality, and try to break out of the virtual labyrinth. A special treat for the hockey fans - by means of VR goggles, they will be able to accompany the Latvian National Hockey Team on the ice.Break out of the laser labyrinth!Those who are fond of adventure movies, will definitely enjoy the VIZIUM laser labyrinth in the Smart Technology Gallery. The visitors will be able to take up the role of James Bond, to test their agility and flexibility, and to break through the laser beams. Given that the laser labyrinth has several difficulty levels, it will be suitable for both experienced spies and beginners.An oak tree that reveals historyWe as children have been taught that the total number of dark rings represents the age of the tree in years. One of the exhibits on display includes a real oak tree stump. The producers of this exhibit had a hard time to find it, given that the oak tree is a rare and valuable tree. They searched for it all over Latvia, until one benefactor, who wished to remain anonymous, gave this tree to the producers so that it would serve as an exhibit and a means to teach the visitors the history. When sliding the magnifying glass over the centuries-old lines in the timber structure, various facts about the respective time period are displayed.Town for the youngest visitorsThe Science Centre has also prepared something special for pre-schoolers - a gallery of the young researchers which has been designed as a town with a shop, a gas station, a small construction site, and an exciting water world attraction.The entire Ventspils at one glance!After an active tour through the exhibition hall, the visitors will be able to catch their breath on the VIZIUM terrace. However, those who still have enough energy, will be able to climb the 30 m high viewing platform to enjoy the impressive city panorama. The visitors will be able to recover their strengths at the café on the second floor of the VIZIUM and to enjoy delicious meals and beverages.The Flashy of VIZIUM!The VIZIUM has recently acquired a team of attractive and creative employees who will make sure that the visit to the Science Centre is not only informative and entertaining, but also rich in positive emotions and makes the visitors return. This team has now acquired a new, equally positive and friendly colleague - the VIZIUM mascot - the robot Flashy that literally wears its iron heart on its sleeve. Flashy will make sure the children and adults can dance and have fun during the events at the VIZIUM.See you at the Science Centre VIZIUM in Ventspils!