Magna Science Adventure Centre

Magna is a new, hands-on visitor attraction set in a former steelworks, it explores the powerful themes of earth, air, fire and water.

Events at Magna

When you step into magna you enter a world that is larger the life. All around the huge steel structures and industrial relics are a reminder of this magnificent building's awesome heritage. There are four stunning new pavilions, each one a spectacle in its own right, dedicated to elements: earth, air, fire and water.

Each one offers a chance to step out of the ordinary and into the unknown. So whether you are operating a real JCB, firing a water cannon at a human target or exploding a rock face, magna will be unlike anything you have seen, heard or touched before.

Suspended high above the ground, the translucent airship invites you in to explore our fascination with air. Hang on to your seat as you whizz around in a gyroscopic chair, feeling the force of a tornado. Explore the strange (and sometimes disgusting) noises we make using air in our bodies. Then experience for yourself the sensation of flying using your hands as wings to feel the lift, drag and thrust just like a plane.

From up above make your way underground to the earth pavilion, a subterranean playground that leads you through a maze of tunnels into a virtual quarry. You will be able to climb into the cab and take control of a real JCB digger, shift huge rocks and boulders and even explode a rockface, watching as the stones fall down around your feet.

Then put on a waterproof jacket and prepare to get wet and wild in the water pavilion, the beautiful shining steel wave where having fun with water is positively encouraged. Count down to blast off as you harness the power of water to launch a rocket. Make your mark by shooting at your family with a giant water cannon (albeit through the safety of a screen) and make your own waves in magna's huge water tank.

Finally you may choose to dry off in the fire pavilion, full of sparks and flames, where the danger and the power of nature's hottest element are explored. Let the fire tornado draw you down through a blackened, charred passageway to sizzling lightening show. Stand your ground as a raging virtual fireball comes rushing towards you. Strike an arc, test how hot your bum is and make your own souvenir of your visit with a real laser cutter.

Magna science and adventure centre also offers a dramatic setting for pop concerts within a vast former steelworks.

Magna is now open daily. You will find Magna in Rotherham, just off the M1 motorway, one mile from Meadowhall shopping centre. For more details call the Magna Hotline on 01709 720002.

How to find it

Tel: 01709 720002
Fax: 01709 820092

For opening hours, visit the Magna website.