History
In 1947 an association for the establishment of a technical museum in Switzerland was launched, and objects were held by the industrial companies of the Winterthur–Zürich–Baden region. On 26 June 1969, a foundation in accordance with Art. 80 ff ZGB was founded under the name ''Technorama der Schweiz'', purposing ''science and technology for vivid spectacle''. In 1982 an exhibition was presented, but in a conservative way being a conventional technology museum, covered by verbal information masses, mainly in the form of an audiovisual superstructure. In June 1990 a new mission statement was adopted, created by the former director Remo Besio. Essentially, it was inspired and designed by the leading science centers of the UK and the US, including the ''Museum
Technorama offers an experimental environment for its visitors, irrespective of age and background, to improve knowledge about natural phenomena in a self-directed way. Usually worldwide described as “science centres”, Technorama's program may differ markedly: there are over 500 exhibits respectively "experiment stations" and wide-ranging "laboratory facilities". Technorama claims to be "one of the largest – and on account of its quality and its exemplary informal educational function – most renowned science centres in the world". Everything in the Technorama facility is ''based on the way in which science can best be appreciated, taught and learnt'', in school or in practice, providing teachers with training in the principles of science education or by enabling schools to use its unique experimental and laboratory resources. Technorama provides a personal contact with natural phenomena, so that the personal experience with science replaces dry fact-learning. The exhibits try to invoke all the senses for learning, as the essential basis for later theoretical treatment. The exhibits allow the visitors to “get in touch with science”. Every year, over 64,000 school children in organized groups visit Technorama, making it the most popular out-of-school science learning institution in Switzerland. The Youth Laboratory includes chemistry and atom labs, alongside numerous experiment stations for biology, physics, and advanced visualization technology, fostering quantitative scientific work in a relaxed atmosphere. Technorama supports teachers in communicating science and participates in national initiatives to improve science education, focusing on primary schools to inspire young children with scientific and technical ideas. In 2023, Technorama hosted 17 in-service training courses with a total of 262 teachers, and 457 teachers attended introductory events.Spielzeugeisenbahn-Sammlung Bommer
That section houses the model train collection ''Spielzeugeisenbahn-Sammlung Bommer'' of miniature rarities, that was established in February 2004. The exhibition offers an extended exploration of tinplate toy nostalgia and its curiosities, many of them dating from the period around 1900 AD. Technorama claims to be the home to the world's greatest toy train collection, the Dr. Bommer Toy Train Foundation, that provides a technically and historically important view of the development of rail transportation in Switzerland.AdventureRooms Technorama
In 2017, Technorama opened anTechnorama Outdoors
Technorama Outdoors, part of the Swiss Science Center Technorama, offers an immersive scientific experience in a natural setting. Opened in 2020, it features interactive exhibits like the large bridge, water installations demonstrating hydrodynamic principles, and wind exhibits exploring aerodynamic effects. This expansive area encourages hands-on exploration and learning through engaging with natural elements and scientific phenomena, enhancing the educational experience found within Technorama's indoor exhibits.Facilities
Public transportation is provided by the S-Bahn Zürich line S12 (ZVV) or S29 (ZVV) to Oberwinterthur, or by Winterthur local bus line 5 to the stop ''Technorama''. The museum is open daily from 10am to 5pm. After-hours visits are available by appointment, as well as guided tours for groups. The building houses the museum on about 6,500 square meters, as well as a restaurant, the escape room "AdventureRooms Technorama" and rooms for seminars. The staff of the museum consists of approximately 105 employees in 54 full-time jobs. The Swiss Science Centre Technorama is directed by the Technorama Foundation, and sponsored by companies and institutions.Cultural heritage of national importance
In theLiterature
* Hans-Erhard Lessing: ''Naturschön - Phänomene im Technorama''. Verlag Huber, Frauenfeld 2006, .See also
* List of museums in SwitzerlandReferences
External links
*