Science World has announced that it will reopen Saturday, August 1 with enhanced safety protocols and physical distancing measures in place.
Prior to that, the iconic science center will welcome essential workers and their families will be able to attend the dome for free from July 23 to 26. Ticketing will be done through timed ticketed entry at scienceworld.ca, space is limited due to operating at a reduced capacity.
Earlier this month, Science World launched a fundraising campaign named "The World Needs More Nerds," calling for its followers to help fundraise to keep the geodesic dome's doors open.Imagery features a 7-year old Dr. Bonnie Henry. Astronaut Chris Hadfield has also agreed to be featured in the campaign, amongst other notable “nerds”.
In April, the beloved waterfront science centre stated that it might be forced to permanently close doors due to a lack of revenue during the COVID-19 pandemic. After closing doors on March 13, it lost a whopping 85 per cent of its revenue immediately. As of April 6, the organization had to temporarily lay off its part-time staff and that all of its full-time staff have taken at least a 20% pay cut.
In order to ensure the next generation of nerds--someone who loves what they love, no matter what--the dome is asking for support from its followers in the form of a donation or by starting a personal fundraising page to ensure a future of critical science thinkers.
“We look forward to welcoming our community back to the iconic dome,” said Janet Wood, President and CEO. “We’ve missed the energy and excitement around Science World and while we’ve seen a huge uptick in our online activity and programming, we can’t wait to welcome the public back in a safe and engaging manner. COVID-19 has brought to light the importance of science literacy to public health and we look forward to nurturing the next generation of scientists, mathematicians, epidemiologists and more.”
Enhanced safety protocols include
- Visitors will be able to book their advanced, timed entry tickets at scienceworld.ca
- Physical distancing protocols are in place to ensure all visitors stay at least 2 metres apart, with timed entry at a reduced capacity to allow for this
- Mandatory masks or face shields for visitors 6 years of age and over and all staff will wear masks or face shields
- Hand sanitizer is available at entry and exit and throughout the building
- Visitors are asked to leave their food at home (but bring their water bottles!). No food options will be available for purchase onsite
- Enhanced cleaning protocols set out by the CDC will also be in place throughout the facility
- Directional signage will safely guide visitors through the dome
- Certain galleries will operate with limited capacity. The Wonder Gallery and Birdly® VR are closed. The OMNIMAX® Theatre and Towers of Tomorrow with LEGO® Bricks can be reserved for a specific time, when guests purchase their tickets online
- Additionally, there will be three live science shows per hour around the building for all visitors to enjoy
Originally constructed as part of the Expo 86 World Fair, Vancouver’s iconic geodesic dome opened its doors in 1986. The fair attracted a whopping 22 million visitors and put Vancouver on the world stage. Since then, the beloved science centre has welcomed 18 million visitors and counting.
Essential workers can book their free, advanced entry starting today at scienceworld.ca/today/events--
Starting July 27, the general public can book their timed visits for August 1 and beyond at scienceworld.ca.
More details can be found at scienceworld.ca/covid19
