Due to the continued bad weather forecast, and the safety of our visitors and staff, our ice rink will remain closed today and tomorrow morning 8th December. If you have booked a slot, we will be in touch. We will monitor the weather and hopefully open tomorrow afternoon. Please check back for updates.
Here at Life, we share the wonders of space with hundreds of visitors of all ages and backgrounds every day, through exhibitions, events and our schools’ programme.
We aim to encourage every visitor to dream big and bright. We want to ignite the spark that could help a young person – whatever their background or ability – discover a new passion, or pursue a future career.
Many people in the North East think that the space industry is something that happens somewhere else. In fact, the region is home to several companies and researchers that are playing their part in the exploration of the universe.
Michael Foale
Astronaut
“Science centres play a key role in helping children get into science – and Life does that very well. The impact can be massive when there’s a real partnership between adults, kids and teachers.”
“Life’s planetarium is amazing. Being able to see the wonder of our universe up-close like this will hopefully go a long way in helping to inspire the next generation of astronauts!”
“The space industry is a big, all-encompassing thing, and we’ll continue to involve all sorts of people to progress what we know and do.”
“It’s about someone showing all this to you. It’s about saying, ‘There’s all this stuff, and it’s for you. You can do it’.”
Students will learn about life on board the International Space Station.
Students will discover how scientists and engineers help astronauts live and work on the International Space Station (ISS).
Explore planet Earth and the solar system in Life’s immersive planetarium.
The natural world can surprise and delight us. Head out on your own sensory scavenger hunt. What will you discover?
Explore our amazing brains and bodies and learn more about yourself.
Learn how to extract some DNA from fruit and vegetables in your kitchen!
Our exciting exhibitions, shows, workshops and activities give families a greater understanding of the world and their place in it. We also tackle potentially scary and complex subjects, such as climate science. Highlights of our space experience include an immersive planetarium, mock-up international space station and Gaia, an amazing recreation of Planet Earth.
Our science centre exhibits, live shows and activities can help young people discover a love of space. Our Schools’ Programme can help them develop their knowledge and understanding, and maybe even explore future careers. We offer a comprehensive learning programme, with curriculum-linked workshops that are simply not available in school classrooms.
It’s never too late to explore the wonders of space, and consider our place in the universe. Adults can enjoy our exhibitions and activities just as much as kids – from the breathtaking planetarium to the thought-provoking Gaia installation. We also offer adults-only after-hours events, where visitors can consider and explore deep and pressing questions about space.
The space industry brings together people with many different skills and interests. As a leading science centre, Life is an ideal place to showcase these opportunities. In particular, we want to raise aspirations amongst young people, and help them consider the range of careers available to them.
“We really enjoyed Space Zone, where we learned about life aboard the International Space Station, tried mission control and handled an actual moon rock.”
“My daughter has been learning about space at school and loved exploring Space Zone – it was both fun and educational which is just brilliant.”
“There was so much to do – and we landed a spacecraft. The planetarium was amazing too.”
We work with partners all over the UK to showcase opportunities and spark debate and inspiration. Whether you’re in education, academia or industry, we’re an ideal venue to share your work, build engagement or spread excitement.
