10.20.2016_TWOSE at Sunrise 1.jpg 10.20.2016_TWOSE at Sunrise 1.jpg
10.20.2016_TWOSE at Sunrise 1.jpg 10.20.2016_TWOSE at Sunrise 1.jpg
Home / About us / History

History

July 1978
A group of Edmontonians incorporated the Edmonton Space Sciences Foundation as a private non-profit organization and began promoting a new planetarium and science centre for Edmonton.

January 1979
Renowned for striking and innovative buildings, Douglas J. Cardinal Architects Ltd. was appointed to design the new science centre.

September 1980
The City of Edmonton selected the Edmonton Space Sciences Centre as the City's flagship project commemorating the Province of Alberta's 75th Anniversary.

March 1982
Construction begins in Coronation Park, within sight of the original Queen Elizabeth Planetarium (Canada’s first planetarium, originally opened in September 1960), which the new Centre would soon replace.

July 1, 1984 – Edmonton Space Sciences Centre Opens!
The doors opened on a new universe of space science education and entertainment. Edmonton Space Sciences Centre immediately became one of Northern Alberta's premiere attractions. It offered visitors from around the world an incredible space and science centre experience.

July 1990
In order to reflect an expanding mission to explore a wider range of scientific discoveries, the Foundation changed the name of the facility to the Edmonton Space & Science Centre. The Foundation also changed its own name to the Edmonton Space & Science Foundation.

November 1993
A major addition in 1992/1993 adds approximately 15,000 square feet on two floors to the north side of the building. A new lobby, Gift Shop, IMAX Theatre entry and Café occupy the lower level, and a large gallery for traveling exhibits is located on the second level. New Visitor Services facilities as well as a refit of the rotunda completed this major addition.

February 1994
The Discovery Gallery, a place for young explorers, officially opens. Now guests aged 2-8 have a world of discovery designed just for them.

July 1995
Official opening of the Amateur Radio Station VE6SSC — at the time, one of North America’s most advanced Ham Radio Stations!

2000
Prime Minister Chrétien visits the Science Centre.

July 1, 2001
In 2000/2001 the centre goes through a $14-million-expansion and renovation. On July 1, 2001, the Edmonton Space & Science Centre opened its doors to the public, reborn and renamed as Odyssium™.

May 2, 2005
Odyssium is renamed TELUS World of Science – Edmonton and continues to be a shining star in Edmonton’s entertainment and educational landscape.

May 27, 2005
We were given the distinct honour and privilege to showcase our programs to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II during a walkabout at Churchill Square.

December 2011
Opened the redeveloped Discoveryland for children ages 8 and under.

October 2012
Opened the redeveloped Syncrude Environment Gallery.

October 2012
Completed the construction of the new Feature Exhibition Gallery and hosted STAR WARS™ Identities: The Exhibition.

November 23, 2013
Harry Potter™: The Exhibition opened at midnight with James and Oliver Phelps (aka Fred and George Weasley) in attendance.

December 26, 2013

A new state-of-the-art IMAX Theatre opened to the public with the new film JERUSALEM.

October 17, 2014

In celebration of our 30th anniversary, we hosted an inaugural fundraising event called Lumen.

October 14, 2015

New IMAX Laser 4K projector theatre opens with the film Humpback Whales 3D.

December 5, 2015

The Science Garage opens and invites guests to build, tinker, test and explore.

October 22, 2016

Phase 1 of the Aurora Project is complete. The new Purple Pear restaurant opens to "Refuel. Refresh. Revive."

September 25, 2017

Phase 2 of the Aurora Project begins with the shut down of the Space Gallery and the Margaret Zeidler Star Theatre.

May 20, 2017

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visits with families at the science centre.

August 3, 2018

Phase 2 of the Aurora Project is complete. The new world-leading planetarium, the Zeidler Dome and the reimagined S.P.A.C.E. (Stars, Planets, Astronauts, Comets, etc.) Gallery opens.

March 23, 2019

CuriousCITY, our young child learning and play space opens for the first time in the Edmonton Civic Employees Charitable Assistance Fund Gallery

September 1, 2019

The Body Fantastic, a staple within the Science Centre for almost 20 years, closes to make way for future permanent exhibitions in the Allard Family Gallery.

March 13, 2020

TELUS World of Science - Edmonton closes it's doors to the public during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

June 21, 2021

TELUS World of Science - Edmonton and Northland School Division sign a formal memoranda to foster enhanced science programming for K - 12 students.

July 1, 2021

TELUS World of Science - Edmonton opens it's doors again to the public following the COVID-19 pandemic.

February 16, 2022

The new Galaxy Gift Shop and Health Zone in the Allard Family Gallery open for the first time to the public.

May 28, 2022

Elder Pitta Irniq completes the inuksuk which will become a permanent fixture in the new Arctic Journey Exhibition in the Newell Family Gallery.

June 2, 2022

The revealing of the mural titled amiskwacîwâskahikan (ᐊᒥᐢᑿᒌᐚᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ), by Lance Cardinal, Two-Spirited Indigenous Artist, within the Science Centre's new lobby.

September 17, 2022

The newest and largest permanent gallery in the Science Centre's history opens, the Arctic Journey Exhibition in the Newell Family Gallery.

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