The Energy Discovery Centre (SA Tallinna Tehnika- ja Teaduskeskus, Energia avastuskeskus) operates in the 104 year old Tallinn former power plant building. It has gone through a thorough renovation and was re-opened in June 2014. On more than 3000 square meters at the unique industrial building, Energy`s activities are mainly aimed to children and families, focusing on introducing the topics of energy, natural sciences and technology. The centre houses permanent exhibitions (on the history of producing energy and electricity, classical physics, sounds, lights, etc.) and thematical temporary exhibitions. Along with the historical power plant interior, the centre houses more than 100 interactive hands-on exhibits. A planetarium for virtual space programmes, science theatre room, a teacher’s room, birthday room, seminar rooms and physics classroom with Samsung school-lab technology for virtual study possibilities. The centre offers a place for spending quality time for families while being an important tourism attraction. The centre is also a good partner for schools as the exhibits and programmes are also based on Estonian primary, secondary and high school curricula. The founders of our foundation are Tallinn City Administration, Estonian biggest power company Eesti Energia AS; Tallinn Heating Company Utilitas Tallinn AS, Tallinn University of Technology.
ENERGY is a member of European Network of Science Centres and Museums (EXCITE) and has participated in several international projects like:
- Energetic Friends – coordinating activities of European Week of Science and Technology in Tallinn; science contest for pupils (2001, funded by European Commission, 5th FWP).
- Discovering Europe – introducing inventions of European scientists; Science Theatre programs (2004, EU Phare).
- Hands-On& Brains-On – informal science education programs for primary schools. An innovative laboratory program for science lessons and teacher training (2005-07, European Commission, 6th FWP)
- Discovery Days – workshops and exchange of science exhibits between science centres of Europe (2007, European Commission, 6th FWP).
- SCICOM – creating a travelling interactive, informal exhibition on renewable energies with 7 European science centres. (2008-2010, European Commission, 7th FWP)
- BIOPROM – creating a travelling interactive, informal exhibition on bioeconomy with 4 European science centres (2012 – 2015, European Commission, 7th FWP)