Our History

CURIOSITY welcomes families, kids, and adults alike to embark on an exhilarating exploration of knowledge and creativity.  Take an adventure through space and time, and discover the very building blocks of the universe. Learn about engineering concepts, unravel mathematical ideas, and construct your own LEGO® creations.

The first new branding concept since we launched in 1995, we have introduced a new look and feel for our beloved centre.With the old ‘eye’ still incorporated abstractly, with leanings towards scientific discovery under the microscope, amoebas and intergalactic planets and stars. We are excited to usher in a new era of Discovery.

The result of grants & local donations. This is the Planetarium for Bendigo, by Bendigo.

With thanks to the following departments, organisations and individuals of Bendigo.

- $250,000 – Department of Jobs, Precincts & Regions
- $50,000 – City of Greater Bendigo
- $200,000 from locals, local clubs, locals businesses and philanthropy.

As a result of this funding, the planetarium now seats between 40-50 people.

Discovery won the Community minded business award.

New solar installed! (supported by City of Greater Bendigo, Powerhub, Bendigo Sustainability group)

Upgrades to our famous vertical slide – including a new surface motion sensor projector!

Premier Daniel Andrews launched the refurbished Kaleidoscope space in March 2018 (supported by John T Reid Charitable trust and the Department of Education and Training).

Auditorium Upgrade (supported by the Department of Education and Training )

Discovery’s mini beast section opened.

Discovery became independent from the City of Greater Bendigo’s Heritage Trust on 18 July 2015. Discovery reopened under the direct control of Bendigo Science and Technology Museum Board.

Upgrades to the Discovery lab (supported by Gandel foundation and La Trobe University).

Canvas planetarium dome replaced with an aluminium dome.

(A room without a single 90 degree angle, sponsored by Coliban Water, explores perception and the relative size of objects)

Forming a partnership with the Bendigo District Astronomical Society in June 2008, this was the beginning of “Sidewalk Astronomy”. A program that still runs monthly!

Kaleidescope established in 2005, funding provided by Ian Potter foundation Kaleidescope is the first “long-term zone”.

Received funding from the Federal Government Innovation Awareness Strategy for new exhibits.

Assisted with the development of the Imaginarium Science Centre in Devonport Tasmania (Now closed), sent over 55 exhibits and assisted in their assembly.

Discovery Science & Technology Centre opened in October 1995 after more than a year’s development and fundraising.  The project was driven by local educators and others calling themselves the “Industry and Education Consortium” and embraced by the then Commissioners of the newly formed City of Greater Bendigo, who in two stages secured grants from the Victorian government for half of the $1m raised to establish the centre.