₹232 crore Science Experience Centre coming up in Hyderabad at CSIR-IICT
Synopsis
Hyderabad is getting a ₹232.7 crore Science Experience Centre at the CSIR-IICT campus in Secunderabad — complete with a 3D digital dome theatre, walk-through aquarium, robotics hub, and a space science zone. Designed around five flower-petal-shaped galleries and expected by mid-2027, the facility could become Telangana's most significant public science infrastructure in years.
Key Takeaways
The Union government is building a ₹232.7 crore Science Experience Centre at CSIR-IICT Campus, Tarnaka, Secunderabad, Hyderabad .
The project is an initiative of the Union Culture Ministry , executed by the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) .
Facilities include a 3D digital dome theatre , walk-through aquarium , robotics and innovation hub , motion simulator , and space and astronomy exhibits.
The architectural design is inspired by five flower petals , each housing distinct thematic galleries.
As of 23 October , structural works at the entry gate complex were completed up to roof level; plinth works at the Main Science Centre were largely done.
The project is expected to be completed by May or June 2027 .
The Union government is developing a Science Experience Centre at the CSIR-IICT Campus, Tarnaka, Secunderabad in Hyderabad, with a total outlay of ₹232.7 crore, aimed at positioning the city as a premier hub for scientific innovation and learning. The project, an initiative of the Union Culture Ministry, is being executed by the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) and is expected to be completed by May or June 2027.
What the Centre Will Offer
The facility is designed to provide a wide range of interactive and immersive experiences for students and visitors. According to Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy, the centre will feature interactive and immersive exhibits, an astronomy and space science zone, a robotics and innovation hub, a 3D digital dome theatre, a walk-through aquarium, a motion simulator, and dedicated student activity zones.
The Space and Astronomy block will allow visitors to explore India's space achievements, astronomical knowledge, and the mysteries of the universe through hands-on exhibits. A dedicated Fun Science section will cover physics, chemistry, mathematics, and optical illusions through engaging, interactive displays.
Unique Design and Indigenous Knowledge
The Science Experience Centre features a distinctive architectural design inspired by five flower petals. Each of the five petals houses thematic galleries, a Fun Science zone, an entrance lobby, and administrative facilities. The facility will also incorporate indigenous knowledge systems, bridging traditional wisdom with modern science — a deliberate nod to India's cultural heritage alongside its scientific ambitions.
What Minister Kishan Reddy Said
G. Kishan Reddy, who is also the Member of Parliament from Secunderabad, shared details of the project in a post on X on Thursday. He said the centre, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to nurture scientific temperament while preserving India's rich cultural heritage, 'will inspire young minds, spark innovation, provide hands-on learning experiences for the youth of Telangana and contribute to India's journey of development and innovation.' He described the facility as 'a new destination for scientific curiosity, interactive learning and discovery.'
Construction Progress and Timeline
As of 23 October, construction was well underway. The entry gate complex was under construction, with structural works completed up to roof level; first-floor columns, brickwork, and plastering were in progress. At the Main Science Centre, plinth works were largely complete. The project is on course for completion by mid-2027.
Hyderabad's Growing Science Ecosystem
Hyderabad already hosts several premier Union government institutions spanning defence, science, information technology, and education. The new Science Experience Centre is expected to further consolidate the city's standing as a knowledge and innovation hub, providing the youth of Telangana with a world-class learning resource within the state. This comes amid a broader national push to deepen public engagement with science and technology at the grassroots level.
Point of View
But the real measure of its success will be sustained footfall and curriculum linkage — not inauguration optics. India's science museum infrastructure has historically struggled with maintenance and relevance after the initial launch period, and the NCSM has a mixed record on this front. Positioning this as a 'Hyderabad innovation hub' also raises the question of equity: who actually reaches a Secunderabad campus — urban school groups, or also rural Telangana students who arguably need hands-on science access the most? The indigenous knowledge integration is a thoughtful design choice, but its execution will determine whether it broadens the centre's appeal or becomes a tokenistic addition.
NationPress
12 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Science Experience Centre being built in Hyderabad?
It is a ₹232.7 crore public science facility being developed at the CSIR-IICT Campus in Tarnaka, Secunderabad, Hyderabad, by the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) under the Union Culture Ministry. The centre will feature interactive exhibits, a 3D digital dome theatre, a walk-through aquarium, a robotics hub, a motion simulator, and a space and astronomy zone.
When will the Hyderabad Science Experience Centre be completed?
The project is expected to be completed by May or June 2027. As of 23 October, structural works at the entry gate complex were finished up to roof level, and plinth works at the Main Science Centre were largely complete.
Who is funding and executing the Science Experience Centre project?
The project is an initiative of the Union Culture Ministry and is being executed by the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM). The total budget is ₹232.7 crore.
What makes the Science Experience Centre's design unique?
The centre's architecture is inspired by five flower petals, with each petal housing distinct thematic galleries including Fun Science, space and astronomy exhibits, and an entrance lobby. The facility also incorporates indigenous knowledge systems, connecting traditional wisdom with modern science.
How does this project benefit Hyderabad and Telangana?
The Science Experience Centre is expected to strengthen Hyderabad's position as a hub for scientific research and innovation, offering hands-on learning experiences for the youth of Telangana. Hyderabad already hosts several premier Union government institutions in defence, science, IT, and education, and this facility adds a major public science infrastructure to that ecosystem.
