Hydropolis is the center of knowledge about water. It is located in Wroclaw in a historic building on Na Grobli Street. In the past, a clean water tank was located here, and now it has been replaced with a modern educational center.
As visitors of the water center we learned how important the water is. This is the first place in Poland with such an educational purpose focused on the subject of water. It is addressed to all ages, mainly focused on children and youth.
At the start of the visit we are invited to a dark room called “Planet Water” at the center of which is a pool filled with water (beware not to fall). A short movie is displayed on the big screen with the effects of light radiating in every direction. This was the part that the kids liked the least, but it was interesting for some older children and adults.
When the movie projection was over the doors from the hall were opened so we could go in one of three directions to different thematic sections. In each of them there are descriptions, sometimes exhibitions of curiosities and multimedia stations. There are also multimedia games, such as linking the molecules H and O to create water. Some of the exhibits are more spectacular, some require concentration and deeper engagement.
Worth noting is the multimedia table with a map of Wroclaw which shows the scale of the flood that hit Wroclaw in 1997. You have to remember that water is an element and has destructive power.
We were very pleased that we had the opportunity to enter the bathyscaphe Trieste, where in 1960 two adventurers explored the bottom of the Mariana Trench.
Along the walls of the building there is a water printer, which controls the water jets in such a way that while watching it from a distance it illustrates some shapes. For children it was a test of reflexes and speed – they tried to run through when the water was not falling. With what result? Well, check that on the video:
Tickets can be booked in advance via the internet. We did it this way. And here is an important thing that the entry time printed on the ticket is not so important. Hydropolis staff allowed us to enter at a different time on the same day. When we booked tickets in advance it was pretty hard to estimate the right time. The price – quite high, adult PLN 27, child PLN 18. However, there is an option to buy a family ticket with a Large Families Card discount. A big plus!