What is W5?

whowhatwherewhenwhy – W5 is Ireland’s award winning science and discovery centre at Odyssey in Belfast. With over 250 amazing interactive exhibits in four incredible exhibition areas, W5 provides a unique experience as well as fantastic fun for visitors of all ages. In addition to permanent exhibits, W5 also presents a changing programme of large and small scale temporary exhibitions and events. We have a daily programme of live science demonstrations and shows throughout the day.

You can hop off your Belfast City Sightseeing tour at stop #3 and remember that tours pass every 30 minutes so you can just hop back on again.

W5’s location, on the bank of the River Lagan, at Odyssey, the Northern Ireland Landmark Millennium Project, provides spectacular views of Belfast and the River and is only a short walk from Belfast City Centre.

Did you know?

• All events, shows and temporary exhibitions are FREE with your admission to W5
• Your admission to W5 is valid all day so you can stay as long as you like
• W5 has picnicking areas so you can bring your own food and make a day of it and our cafe on level one offers a delicious selection of fresh sandwiches, scones, traybakes and Costa Coffees.

Upcoming events at W5

A Wizarding Weekend

Saturday 14 February 2015 – 15 February 2015

Muggles beware! On February 14 & 15 some well-known faces from the world of Harry Potter will be apparating into W5 for a weekend of magical mayhem. This could be your big chance to put on your best robes and meet the characters inspired by JK Rowling’s books.

Following on a similar event last year, W5 and the Emerald Garrison will present even more iconic costumed characters from the world of Harry Potter. The weekend will also provide visitors of all ages with amazing photo opportunities and unforgettable interactive experiences.

Bodyworks on Tour

Saturday 21 February 2015 – 22 February 2015

Your body is an amazing and complex machine, come and investigate how your BodyWorks with Glasgow Science Centre and W5. Get your pulse racing as you become the scientist and the experiment with dozens of hands-on exhibits – find out how high can you jump, how quickly you react and how strong your grip is. Then take a closer look inside the human body as you examine synthetic body parts, go on a 3 dimensional virtual journey through the body’s systems and take a walk through a giant heart!

Science Superheroes

Saturday 21 February 2015 – 22 February 2015, 11am to 4pm

Join the Science Superheroes from Queen’s University to discover what real DNA looks like, make some elephant toothpaste, learn about the elements of life and take part in a DNA repair challenge.

Journey into the Future

Saturday 21 February 2015 – 22 February 2015, 11am to 4pm

Scientists from Ulster University’s Centre for Stratified Medicine will take you on a journey into the world of stratified medicine, learn about your DNA, discover the hi-tech instruments they use and figure out the best treatment for you.

How healthy is your street?

Saturday 21 February 2015 – 22 February 2015, 11am to 4pm

Find out about the latest work from the Centre of Excellence for Public Health Northern Ireland. Battle against other contestants and be crowned public health champion by taking part in our interactive quiz.

Dr Death and the Medi-Evil Medicine Show

Saturday 21 February 2015 – 22 February 2015, 12pm to 2pm

In the W5 theatre space, join the timetravelling ‘Doctor Death’, Simon Watt, to see if he can ‘cure’ you with a special panto on the history of medicine.

Dr Death and the Medi-Evil Medicine Show

Saturday 07 March 2015 – Sunday 08 March 2015

Ireland’s premier Star Wars costuming club, The Emerald Garrison, return to W5 for a weekend of fantastic photo opportunities in Invasion Belfast: Episode VII.

Visitors will be treated to a line-up of actors, talks, and fun interactive activities as well as the Emerald Garrison’s hugely popular props and replicas. And of course visitors of all ages will love meeting and posing with over 40 costumed characters including legions of Storm Troopers, Jedi Knights, Bounty Hunters, Clone Troopers, Darth Vader, Wookies and many, many more!

Fans have the opportunity to meet actors from the original movies during Lecture Theatre talks and signings. Please note that the actors charge a fee for photographs and autographs. Young visitors will once again have the opportunity to experience Force Training with the Emerald Garrison’s Jedi instructors. This event is always hugely popular during Invasion weekend and we’re delighted to give Jedi apprentices another opportunity to become strong in the ways of the force!

This is also a great opportunity to pick up that collectible or toy you’ve been looking for at one of our traders stands on the ground floor. Keep visiting the W5 website for a full event schedule in the coming weeks or follow W5 on Facebook for announcements and updated information.

W5 Opening Hours

• Monday – Friday: 10am – 5pm, last admission 4pm
• Saturday: 10am – 6pm, last admission 5pm
• Sunday: 12pm – 6pm, last admission 5pm

We recommend that you allow a minimum of two hours to visit W5.

Website: www.w5online.co.uk/w5-information/opening-hours/

W5 Admission Prices

*Children are persons aged 3 to 16 years. Under 3s are free of charge.

Please note: All children under the age of 12 years must be accompanied by an adult, who is aged 16 years or over. Children under 13 years must remain under the control and supervision of that adult at all times.

W5 is a Charity

This means W5 is a not-for-profit charitable organisation with educational aims. As a charity, W5 can treat the cost of your admission ticket as a charitable donation. This is called Gift Aid. Making your admission under ´Gift Aid´ will enable W5 to continue its work in formal and informal education. For more information visit www.w5online.co.uk/w5-information/gift-aid/.