Heureka

Heureka is a science center in the Tikkurila district of Vantaa, Finland, north of Helsinki, designed by Heikkinen – Komonen Architects. It is located at the intersection of the Finnish Main Line and the river Keravanjoki. The aim of the science centre, which opened its doors to the public in 1989, is to popularise scientific information and to develop the methods used to teach science and scientific concepts. The science centre provides opportunities to become familiar with science and technology through varying exhibitions, a planetarium, an idea workshop, educational programs and events. Heureka is one of the largest leisure centres in Finland, with about 300 thousand visitors per year. The name "Heureka" (eureka in English) refers to the Greek exclamation, presumably uttered by Archimedes, to mean "I've found it!" (made a discovery). The Science Centre Heureka features both indoor and outdoor interactive exhibitions with exhibits that enable visitors to independently test different concepts and ideas. There is also a digital planetarium with 135 seats. The Heureka Science Centre is a non-profit organization run by the Finnish Science Centre Foundation. The Finnish Science Centre Foundation is a broadly based co-operation organization that includes the Finnish scientific community, education sector, trade and industry, and national and local government. The ten background organisations of the Foundation support, develop and actively participate in the activities of Heureka. The foundation's highest body is the Board of Trustees, whose decisions are implemented by the Governing Board. Everyday activities are the responsibility of Heureka's director assisted by a management team and other staff. Since September 2020, the director of Heureka has been Mikko Myllykoski.A science center in Vantaa, offering interactive exhibits and activities.