Cape Town Science Centre building in South Africa

Mtn Sciencentre

MTN Sciencentre Cape Town: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Attractions Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction to the Cape Town Science Centre (MTN Sciencentre)

Nestled in Observatory, Cape Town, the Cape Town Science Centre—formerly the MTN Sciencentre—is a leading destination for hands-on science education and community outreach in South Africa. Since its establishment in the late 1990s, initially with the support of the MTN Foundation, the centre has evolved into a dynamic hub with over 250 interactive exhibits, educational programs, and technology-driven outreach initiatives. The centre’s mission is to make STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) accessible, engaging, and relevant for all ages, whether you are a family, a school group, or a tourist interested in Cape Town’s rich historical and cultural landscape.

Signature attractions include the human gyroscope, the Mindball brainwave game, and a replica of South African astronaut Mark Shuttleworth’s SOYUZ capsule. The centre regularly hosts rotating exhibitions on topics like robotics and sustainability, and offers educational programs aligned with the South African curriculum, including robotics workshops, STEM clubs, teacher training, and mobile science outreach to under-resourced communities. Designed for accessibility, the centre features wheelchair-friendly facilities, sensory-friendly sessions, and multilingual support.

Conveniently located opposite Groote Schuur Hospital and near Rhodes Memorial, the centre fits seamlessly into a day of exploration in Cape Town. This comprehensive guide details everything you need to know about visiting the Cape Town Science Centre: up-to-date hours, ticket information, educational offerings, accessibility, and travel tips for nearby attractions. Consult the official Cape Town Science Centre website for the latest details, and consider the Audiala app for interactive learning on the go. Ignite your curiosity and embark on an unforgettable STEM adventure (Museum Explorer, CTSC).

Overview: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and History
The MTN Sciencentre (Cape Town Science Centre)
Interactive Exhibits and Educational Programs
Accessibility, Community Outreach, and Sustainability
Summary and Visitor Tips
References

Visiting Hours and Ticket Information

Standard Visiting Hours:

Tuesday to Saturday: 09:00 – 16:30
Sundays & Public Holidays: 10:00 – 16:30
Closed on Mondays (open seven days a week during school holidays; check CTSC website for updates)

Ticket Prices (as of June 2025):

Adults: R90
Children (3–18): R70
Pensioners/Students: R70
Children under 3: Free
School groups and large parties: Discounts available (advance booking required)
Annual memberships for frequent visitors

Tickets can be purchased online via the official ticketing portal or at the entrance.

Location and Accessibility

The centre’s address is 370B Main Road, Observatory, Cape Town, directly opposite Groote Schuur Hospital and easily accessible from the city centre and surrounding suburbs.

Getting There:

Public Transport: MyCiTi bus service, Metrorail (Observatory station is a short walk)
Private Vehicles: On-site and street parking available

Accessibility Features:

Entire centre is wheelchair accessible, with ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and reserved parking bays
Sensory-friendly sessions and quiet zones for visitors with sensory needs (see events page)
Multilingual staff (English, Afrikaans, isiXhosa) and exhibit signage
Rest areas, café, gift shop, lockers, and baby-changing facilities

History and Evolution

Originally founded as the MTN Sciencentre in the late 1990s by the Interactive Science Foundation NPC (RF), the centre’s initial home was Canal Walk in Century City. Thanks to major sponsorship from MTN, it quickly gained recognition for its innovative, hands-on approach to science education. The centre later relocated to Observatory, expanding its space and rebranding as the Cape Town Science Centre (Wikipedia). The new location enabled a greater diversity of exhibits, expanded educational programs, and enhanced community outreach.

Signature Exhibits and Innovations

The centre boasts over 250 interactive exhibits, including:

Mindball Game: A brainwave-controlled game that challenges your focus
Human Gyroscope: Experience simulated weightlessness like an astronaut
Mark Shuttleworth’s SOYUZ Capsule Replica: Celebrating South Africa’s first astronaut
Giant Soap Bubble Station: Step inside a giant bubble and explore surface tension
Camera Obscura: Classic optical device projecting a live panoramic city view
Earthquake Simulator: Feel seismic activity and learn about tectonic plates
Guinness World Record Cell Phone: The world’s largest working Ericsson cell phone
Giant Chess Board, Soundhouse, Model Train Set, and Panpipe Installation

Regularly rotating exhibitions address topics such as robotics, sustainability, and space exploration (Museum Explorer, SA-Venues).

Educational Programs and Community Engagement

School Visits & Workshops

Guided tours, interactive workshops, and practical STEM experiments aligned with the South African curriculum (CTSC Schools)
Advance booking required for discounted group rates (Webtickets)

Clubs, Camps, and Teacher Training

Over 230 STEM clubs across the Western Cape (CTSC STEM Clubs)
Robotics, coding, and programming workshops through REACH Robotics and Code on the Road (CTSC REACH)
Teacher professional development workshops (Cape Town Travel)

Mobile Science Centre & Outreach

Mobile science van brings practical experiments and shows to rural schools (CTSC Mobile Science)
Inflatable planetarium for immersive astronomy experiences
Holiday camps, public science talks, chess workshops, and themed weekends (CTSC What’s On, Cape Town with Kids)

Community Outreach and Impact

Free or subsidized entry for underprivileged learners and special needs groups
Partnerships with the Department of Basic Education, local universities, and NGOs (TCOE)
Annual science festivals, public lectures, and volunteer programs
Programs targeting equity, inclusion, and gender diversity in STEM

Partnerships, Outreach, and Technological Innovation

The centre is a member of SAASTEC and Cape Town Tourism, and collaborates with government and international partners to amplify science communication and educational impact.

Technological initiatives include:

Virtual reality exhibitions (e.g., AstroTrek VR)
Social media engagement and online learning platforms
Expanded digital offerings in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting remote learning (MTN Sustainable Solutions, CNBC Africa)

Facilities and Amenities

Café: Light meals, snacks, and child-friendly options
Gift Shop: Science kits, books, educational toys, and souvenirs
Restrooms: Clean, accessible, with baby-changing stations
Lockers: Secure storage for visitors
Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout the centre

Nearby Attractions and Things to Do

Enhance your visit by exploring:

Heart of Cape Town Museum
Mostert’s Mill
Rhodes Memorial
Observatory Historic Precinct, local cafés, and vibrant street art (SA-Venues)

The centre is committed to environmental sustainability and social equity through:

Recycling and energy-efficient operations
Climate change and environmental education
Urban farming and community gardening workshops

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: Tuesday–Saturday: 09:00–16:30; Sundays & public holidays: 10:00–16:30; closed Mondays (except during school holidays).

Q: How much are tickets?
A: Adults R90; children/pensioners/students R70; under 3s free; discounts for groups and memberships.

Q: Is the centre wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, with ramps, lifts, accessible restrooms, and reserved parking.

Q: How do I book school or group visits?
A: Book in advance via the group bookings page.

Q: Are there guided tours and special events?
A: Yes, with details on the events calendar.

Q: What other attractions are nearby?
A: Rhodes Memorial, Heart of Cape Town Museum, Mostert’s Mill, and the Observatory Historic Precinct.

Plan Your Visit

To make the most of your visit:

Review the latest hours and ticket options on the official Cape Town Science Centre website
Book tickets online for convenience, especially during peak periods
Download the Audiala app for interactive, on-site learning
Explore Cape Town’s historical and cultural sites nearby

Visuals

Cape Town Science Centre Exterior

Interactive Exhibit at Cape Town Science Centre

Take a virtual tour of the Cape Town Science Centre

Summary

The Cape Town Science Centre (formerly MTN Sciencentre) is a premier hub for science education, innovation, and community engagement. From its MTN-backed origins to its current role as a comprehensive STEM resource, the centre offers a rich array of interactive exhibits, educational programs, and outreach initiatives. Its accessible facilities, strategic location, and integration of technology make it a top family-friendly attraction and a vital contributor to STEM literacy and social upliftment in South Africa.

For up-to-date information, visit the official Cape Town Science Centre website, pre-book tickets online, and follow their social media for news and special offers. Enhance your visit with the Audiala app for interactive content.

Embark on your science adventure today and discover why the Cape Town Science Centre is celebrated as Cape Town’s leading STEM destination (MTN Sustainable Solutions, CNBC Africa).