B M BIRLA SCIENCE CENTRE, HYDERABAD

B M BIRLA Science Centre, Hyderabad, established in 1985 by Birla Foundation is an iconic hub of scientific exploration and cultural enrichment for pursuit of knowledge and curiosity. With its interactive science exhibits, state-of-the-art planetarium, dinosaurium and diverse galleries, the centre offers an enriching experience that captivates visitors of all ages. Whether diving into robotics and rockets, tracing dinosaur legs, learning about India’s space accomplishments or appreciating a centuries-old Indian heritage, visitors leave this campus with knowledge, inspiration and a spark to explore more.

Located on the scenic hillock of Naubat Pahad, B.M. Birla Science Centre’s diverse exhibits offer a multidimensional learning experience - from journeying through space and time to unraveling ancient civilizations and contemporary innovations. So, whether you’re marveling at a 160-million-year-old dinosaur fossil, exploring the cosmos in the Sky Theatre or admiring ancient artifacts, the centre promises an enriching experience that sparks wonder and learning.

What is unique about B M Birla Science Centre is, the institution is more than just a science museum. Culturally, the centre bridges science and humanities through its art gallery and archaeological exhibits. The Archaeology and Dolls Museum preserves India’s historical and cultural heritage, while the Nirmala Birla Art Gallery celebrates artistic expression. Events such as seminars, competitions and festivals further engage the community, fostering a holistic appreciation for knowledge and creativity.

B M BIRLA TIMINGS & COST

TIMINGS
10.30 am - 8 pm (7 Days Open)

TICKET PRICES
Entry Fee - Science Museum - Rs 200 Combo (Planetarium + Science Museum) - Rs 300 Jumbo (Planetarium + Science Museum + Art Gallery) - Rs 375.

B M BIRLA SCIENCE CENTRE ATTRACTIONS

The Interactive Science Section is a haven for science enthusiasts, featuring hands-on exhibits that demonstrate principles of Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics. The displays, designed to make learning fun, cover topics such as mechanics, optics, electricity, magnetism, vibrations, sound, optical illusions and more. Popular models include Mix Colors, Arch Bridge, Lift Yourself Up, Action-Reaction, Magic Ball, Pedal Power and See Sounds. Moreover, interactive setups allow visitors to engage directly with scientific concepts, making complex ideas accessible and enjoyable. For instance, the Magic Ball demonstrates how a ball can defy gravity, while Lift Yourself Up uses pulleys to teach principles of mechanics.

This section is particularly popular among students and inquisitive minds, as it fosters experiential learning, inspires curiosity and critical thinking by simplifying complex concepts through hands-on learning. In addition, the center’s interactive exhibits and workshops promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, making it a valuable resource for students and educators. The centre’s collaborations with institutions like ISRO and the Department of Ocean Development underscore its role in advancing scientific research and innovation.

The planetarium is arguably the crown jewel of B.M. Birla Science Centre, recognized as one of India’s flagship planetariums. Featuring a dome-shaped Sky Theatre, it offers immersive shows on astronomy, celestial phenomena and space exploration. The 3D Universe show, a virtual reality experience, further enhances the centre’s offerings by taking visitors on a journey through space and time. These presentations, which adhere to international standards, cover topics such as the Hubble Space Telescope, comets, planets, eclipses and even speculative subjects like UFOs. The ‘Sky Show’, a 35-minute spectacle, is both educational and entertaining, making it a favorite among visitors. Since its inception in 1985, the planetarium has produced a new themed show annually, with the inaugural show titled Astounding Universe. The planetarium’s advanced technology and captivating narratives transport even ordinary people on a cosmic journey, igniting a passion for astronomy.

Space Museum, inaugurated in 2019, is India’s first private celestial Museum, which features models of communication satellites and International Space Station, offering insights into India’s contributions to space exploration. The museum collaborates with organizations like the Indian Space Research Organization, i.e. ISRO highlighting India’s advancements in space technology and inspiring future generations towards celestial science.

Nobel Gallery - This gallery celebrates Nobel laureates and showcases portraits and biographies of Nobel laureates, their contributions to science and research.

Dioramas - A captivating array of themed exhibits awaits here - immersive displays include Antarctica and Dwaraka scenes, offering educational storytelling through life-like setups. While the Antarctica Diorama replicates a polar research station, where visitors can experience the frozen continent without visiting the destination, the Dvaraka Diorama, depicts the submerged ancient city, which holds great significance in Hindu mythology, history and archeology.

Remote Sensing Gallery – In this section, discover India’s space legacy with models of satellites like Aryabhata, rockets (including ISRO’s LVM-3), and exhibits on remote sensing and Chandrayaan missions. Additionally, the NRSA Gallery displays satellite imagery and remote sensing applications, emphasizing India’s technological prowess.

IEEE Gallery - The IEEE Gallery features interactive, hands-on exhibits such as demonstrations of the CV Raman effect, JC Bose experiments and fiber optic communication, designed to explain engineering, computing and science fundamentals to young learners in an engaging, easy-to-replicate format.

Dinosaurium, opened in 2000 is a highlight for those fascinated by prehistoric life. The star attraction is a 160-million-year-old fossil of the Kotasaurus yamanpalliensis, excavated from Yamanpalli in Telangana’s Adilabad district. Mounted in a dynamic posture, this 14-meter-long and 5-meter-tall fossil is one of the finest dinosaur specimens globally. The Dinosaurium also features other fossils, including a clutch of dinosaur eggs, a fossilized tree trunk and additional prehistoric artifacts, taking visitors back to the Jurassic era. This section is a testament to the centre’s commitment to paleontology and natural history education.

Archaeology and Dolls Museum, curated by Birla Archaeological & Cultural Research Institute (BACRI), showcases artifacts from pre-historic, early historic and megalithic periods. Excavations conducted by BACRI at sites like Hashmatpet, Veerapuram and Vaddamanu have unearthed treasures such as pottery, stone axes, iron implements, terracotta figurines, coins and palm leaf manuscripts. Notable exhibits include remnants of a Buddhist stupa from Vaddamanu and sculptures from Hindu, Buddhist and Jain traditions dating from the 2nd century AD to the 15th century AD.That apart, Room Royal houses rare manuscripts, miniature paintings and a handwritten manuscript of Nobel laureate and Bengali poet, Rabindranath Tagore.

The galleries include stupa sculptures, Chalukya, Kakatiya, Vijayanagar dynastic works, bronze carvings of Hindu deities, and culturally significant manuscripts in Sanskrit, Urdu, Persian, Telugu, Kannada and more. This section appeals to history buffs and those interested in archaeology. The museum also houses a collection of dolls, intricate carvings and miniature paintings, offering insights into India’s rich cultural heritage.

Nirmala Birla Art Gallery is a cultural gem within the science centre, displaying a vast collection of paintings, sculptures and crystal dolls. Its highlights include intricate ivory carvings and a replica of the Koh-i-Noor diamond, once part of the Qutb Shahi treasury. The gallery’s maze of artistic creations blends science and art, showcasing how creativity and innovation intersect. This section adds another dimension to appreciate aesthetics and craftsmanship. It houses paintings and sculptures by celebrated Indian artists such as Jamini Roy, Akbar Padamsee, Paritosh Sen, Amitabh Banerjee, Samir Aich and Laxma Goud. Notable sculptures include a grand bronze piece by Meera Mukherjee and Chintamani Kar’s ‘Jala Kanya’.