When Wonder Becomes Knowledge: Museums Take Visitors on a Journey into the Mysteries of the Universe

From electric sparks in London to a journey through 13.8 billion years in Geneva and fish brought to life from children's drawings in Singapore, three destinations transform science into a human experience and open the doors of discovery to all generations.

Perhaps a child does not need to travel into space to feel that they have discovered the universe. Sometimes, all it takes is watching an electric spark flash before their eyes or seeing a simple drawing transform into a fish swimming through a digital world.

Such moments can awaken a sense of wonder that remains in their memory for years.

On November 10, as the world celebrates World Science Day for Peace and Development, science museums open a window onto a different story of knowledge — one that begins not in laboratories, but with a child's curiosity, a traveller's questions and humanity's shared desire to understand the world.

This year, UNESCO marks the occasion under the theme "Finding Common Ground Through Science Diplomacy," highlighting the importance of cooperation and knowledge exchange between nations.

It is a message reflected in tourism destinations that make scientific discovery an experience accessible to everyone.

At London's Science Museum, visitors are encouraged to do much more than observe.

Inside the interactive Wonderlab gallery, children explore the mysteries of motion and electricity while watching demonstrations that use a Tesla coil to generate spectacular lightning-like sparks.

A father might stand beside his child watching the same experiment, yet each may leave with a different question.

That is the beauty of science museums: they do not simply educate children; they also give adults an opportunity to rediscover the curiosity of childhood.

Admission to Wonderlab requires a separate ticket, although entry to the Science Museum's main permanent galleries is free.

In Switzerland, Science Gateway, the visitor centre of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), takes visitors on an interactive journey spanning 13.8 billion years to explore the origins of the universe and the evolution of matter.

Its exhibitions introduce visitors to the world of particle physics through interactive displays and scientific simulations, while offering insights into the quantum phenomena that govern nature at its smallest scales.

Perhaps the most appealing feature is that admission is free, although registration is required.

Individuals and families are advised to book online in advance to secure entry, particularly during busy periods.

At Singapore's ArtScience Museum, visitors' drawings come to life inside Future World, an exhibition developed in collaboration with the internationally renowned art collective teamLab.

In the Sketch Aquarium experience, a child draws a sea creature on paper. The drawing is then digitally scanned and appears swimming across an interactive aquarium alongside creatures created by other visitors.

In that magical moment, technology meets imagination, and learning becomes something wonderfully close to play.

Children discover how their ideas can become part of a shared digital world, where creativity and interaction bring an ordinary drawing to life.

Future World is a permanent ticketed exhibition, with advance reservations available through the museum's official website.

Although these museums differ in their languages, settings and experiences, they share one powerful human message: science does not belong exclusively to scientists.

It is a space where people can connect, regardless of their age, culture or background.