Think inside the box: AOP to host Curiosity Cube’s first ever visit to Northern Ireland
Families are set for an unforgettable day of discovery as Armagh Observatory and Planetarium (AOP) welcomes the Curiosity Cube on Saturday, May 23, bringing the groundbreaking mobile science lab to Northern Ireland for the very first time.
Created by leading science and technology company Merck, the Curiosity Cube is a vibrant travelling laboratory designed to spark curiosity and inspire the next generation to explore STEM through fun, interactive experiments and hands-on activities.
Having toured across Europe and southern Africa, the Cube gives visitors a unique opportunity to discover fascinating scientific ideas in an exciting and accessible way.
This year’s Curiosity Cube theme shines a spotlight on synthetic biology, inviting visitors to dive into three engaging experiments focused on enzymes, DNA and genetic coding.
Guided through hands-on activities, participants will uncover how DNA instructions shape different outcomes and gain a fresh understanding of why these scientific breakthroughs matter in medicine, technology and everyday life.
Hanagh Winter, STEM Ambassador NI Project Manager at AOP, said the visit is set to deliver an inspiring and memorable family experience.
She said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome the Curiosity Cube to the Planetarium, especially as this is the first time it has ever visited Northern Ireland.
“While the Planetarium is known for space, we’re also passionate about inspiring people to get involved in STEM and encouraging even more young people to discover just how exciting STEM subjects can be.”
Hanagh said a dedicated team of STEM Ambassadors will be on hand throughout the day to help bring every experiment to life.
The STEM Ambassador Programme, managed by STEM Learning and funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), is a UK-wide initiative that connects professionals from a broad range of industries with young people, helping to ignite a lasting interest in STEM subjects.
As the regional delivery partner, Armagh Observatory and Planetarium plays a key role in growing volunteer participation, supporting STEM Ambassadors in their outreach work, and helping schools and community groups enjoy a wide range of engaging STEM experiences.
“The Curiosity Cube is a truly hands-on experience, and our team of STEM Ambassadors will be there to guide children through each experiment and make the science come alive,” added Hanagh.
“There will also be giveaways on the day, so it promises to be a fantastic and exciting event for families.”
Michael Burns, from Merck, said he was delighted to bring the Curiosity Cube to Northern Ireland for the first time.
“Our goal is to SPARK™ curiosity within the next generation of scientists, showcasing the wonderful world of science,” he said.
“The Curiosity Cube is travelling across Europe for its fifth consecutive year and we’ve worked closely with Hanagh and the STEM Ambassador network to bring it to Armagh Observatory and Planetarium for its first-ever visit here.
“This year’s activities will look at the world of synthetic biology. Curious minds will create enzyme lock and key models, discover that DNA is the code for cells and then learn the significance of gene activation by ‘selecting’ genes as answers in trivia.”
The Curiosity Cube will be open to visitors at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium on Saturday, May 23. Admission to the Cube activities is included free as part of the Planetarium visitor experience, making it the perfect opportunity to enjoy a day packed with discovery and fun. To find out more and plan your visit, see The Curiosity Cube or Armagh Observatory and Planetarium.