EXTAVIUM Potsdam

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The eyes of younger visitors will light up when they see the interactive world of EXTAVIUM Potsdam. This engaging museum is intended to awaken an interest in natural science and encourage it from an early age. There's lots here for you to tangible activities try out. In total, more than 60 interactive exhibits await. Experimental courses are just one of the many highlights, covering one topic in 30 thrilling minutes. The goal: science should be understandable. There are tutors on hand who are happy to help and answer any questions.

Making science fun for all ages

EXTAVIUM is a play on the Latin words for earth, water, wind and fire, and is originally the initiative of seven parents from Potsdam. The idea behind it is simple: kids need more room to experiment. They set up the first exhibits in 2005, build a club. Today, the EXTAVIUM is a magnet for visitors. Young visitors especially love to spend a few hours in the colourful world of DIY. Everything is colourful and casual - the perfect environment for the next generation. After a short introduction, you and the children can explore the learning stations. Freeze your own shadow, marvel at invisible light, and appear on television. Watch the little ones make marshmallows burst, inciting shrieks of laughter. Build mazes for mice and watch round-eyed as the rodent is sent scurrying through the corridors. Even mathematics can be experienced in an engaging way with the Pythagorean Theorem. The playful exploration of the natural sciences is a top priority at the EXTAVIUM. Learning is fun here. Research in the truest sense the word "comprehensible". In one of the experimental courses, small and large researchers make goo. Instructors provide pipettes and instruments to mix the ingredients, which include food colouring and glitter. Participants mix, stir and shake. Here and there you hear raucous laughter, and after a few minutes, enthusiastic kids are able to take their slimy product home with them.

What to expect in the EXTAVIUM

• Natural phenomena which can be touched.
• Freeze your own shadow.
• What air pressure does to chocolate marshmallows.
• Why mice can find their way in a maze better than people.
• Experiment workshop: make your own glitter goo to take home.

Places of interest in the vicinity

Babelsberg Film Studio, the largest of its kind in Europe, is less than 5km from the EXTAVIUM. Here world famous productions such as "The Blue Angel" and "Metropolis" were made, along with newer works like "The Bourne Ultimatum" and "Inglourious Basterds". Take a look behind the scenes with more than 20 attractions. There is also a natural history museum in Potsdam. It presents four floors of fish, birds, mammals and insects from Brandenburg - that means the entire biological biodiversity of the Federal State.

Tips for your visit to the EXTAVIUM

The EXTAVIUM is located in the centre of Potsdam. It is within easy reach of public transport. The Burgstraße/Klinikum stop is less than 100 metres away. Tram lines 93, 94 and 99 stop here, as does the bus line 692. From the central station, it's about a 15-minute walk to the exhibition. Reduced admission prices apply for owners of the Berlin WelcomeCard. Prior registration is required for the experimental courses and for groups of more than eight. The exhibition itself is suitable for children from 3 years of age.