Fort Science

Fort Science (Pevnost poznání in Czech) is an interactive science centre in Olomouc, run by Palacký University. It is built around hands-on learning — visitors of all ages are encouraged to touch, turn, press and experiment rather than just look at exhibits behind glass.

Where is it, and why the name "Fort"?

The centre occupies a 19th-century artillery warehouse inside the Baroque Korunní pevnůstka (Crown Fortlet), one of the surviving strongholds of Olomouc's historic fortifications — hence the "Fort" in the name. The thick-walled military building has been converted into a modern exhibition space, so the setting itself is part of the experience: raw brick vaults now house colourful, hands-on science displays.

What can you see inside?

Fort Science holds roughly 180 interactive exhibits spread across four main themed exhibitions, including ones dedicated to water and to light and darkness. Nothing here is meant to be admired from a distance — almost every exhibit invites you to physically interact with it.

Highlights include:

• a giant model of the human brain and eye, showing how our senses process the world,
• a gyroscope of the kind used to train pilots and astronauts, letting visitors experience spatial disorientation firsthand,
• hands-on chemistry experiment stations,
• a wide range of puzzles and logic challenges for different age groups,
• a digital planetarium with shows about space and the night sky.

The exhibitions are designed to work for small children, teenagers, university students and adults alike, which makes Fort Science both a favourite school-trip destination and a solid option for a family afternoon or a rainy day in Olomouc.

How do you get there?

Fort Science is located at 17. listopadu 7 in Olomouc, within the Korunní pevnůstka fortress grounds, within easy reach of the city centre. Olomouc's compact, walkable core means most visitors reach it on foot or by a short public transport ride from the historic centre.

When to visit, and what does it cost?

The centre is closed on Mondays, except during the summer season (June to August), when it also opens on Mondays. On other days it typically opens from 9:00, with shorter hours Tuesday to Friday and longer hours on weekends. A full ticket covering all four exhibitions costs around 95 CZK for adults and about 85 CZK for reduced-price visitors (children, students, seniors), with a family ticket also available. Single exhibitions, the planetarium, or the gyroscope can be visited separately for a lower fee. Plan for at least two to three hours if you want to properly explore the exhibits — most of them are designed to hold your attention longer than a quick glance.

Frequently asked questions

Is Fort Science suitable for young children? Yes. The exhibits span a wide age range — younger children will enjoy simple, colourful interactions, while older kids and adults can dig into more complex experiments and logic puzzles.

Do I need to book tickets in advance? It is not mandatory, but during the summer season and on weekends it is worth reserving your visit ahead of time, especially if you also want to catch a planetarium show.

How long does a visit take? Seeing all four exhibitions plus the planetarium and gyroscope comfortably takes two to three hours.

Is there food available on site? Basic visitor amenities are typically available inside, but for a proper meal it is better to head to one of the many cafés in Olomouc's nearby historic centre.