Le Vaisseau

Le Vaisseau is an interactive science center located in Strasbourg, France. Designed for children and teenagers aged 3 to 15, it is managed by the Departmental Council of the Bas-Rhin, which opened the centre in 2005. The aim of the Vaisseau is to introduce young people to science and technology through play. The motto of the Vaisseau is "Science while having fun."
History
In 1998, the Department of the Bas-Rhin hosted an exhibition by the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie. From the experience of this exhibition, the General Council of the Bas-Rhin identified an interest in science among the local young people, especially when these topics are presented in a playful and interactive manner. In 2000, the project was proposed to department representatives, who approved the plan and appointed Guy-Dominique Kennel, vice-president of the General Council, to implement it, at the head of a multidisciplinary team.
In 2002, following an architectural competition, architects Bernard Weixler and François Rohmer were chosen to design the project. The first stone of the construction was laid in August 2003. The name "Le Vaisseau" was picked by children at the Wangenbourg summer camp.
In 2014, on the 10th anniversary of the centre, renovation work began.
Permanent exhibitions
The Vaisseau addresses six main scientific themes:
* Being Human - This space enables children to learn about the human body, focusing on the differences and similarities between human beings. The section uses two elements to raise children's awareness to disabilities: a path in the dark, and an obstacle course to complete in a wheelchair or using crutches.
* The Animals - This space is focused on learning about animals.
* I Build - This exhibition allows children to become acquainted with construction, and discover the processes of design and fabrication through various techniques. The "building site" is an area dedicated to children from 3 to 6 years old.
* Water - This exhibition is dedicated to understanding the physical properties of water, its social and societal importance, and the techniques developed to master it.
* Log'hic - In this section, children solve brain-teasers, riddles and puzzles to become acquainted with mathematical concepts.
* The Garden - Stretched over around 5000 square metres, this section includes relaxation spaces, as well as various elements to observe nature, such as an educational beehive and an insect hotel.
Temporary exhibitions
Every year from September to August, the Vaisseau presents a temporary exhibition in a dedicated 400 square-metre space. Among the subjects used as themes in the past are visual disabilities, the wind, mathematics, botany and the human body.

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