Sci-Bono Discovery Centre is Southern Africa’s largest science centre, set inside the old Electric Workshop at the corner of Miriam Makeba and Helen Joseph streets in Newtown, Johannesburg’s cultural precinct. Families, school groups and teachers come for hands-on STEM learning that gets children pressing, pulling and experimenting from the moment they arrive.
The repurposed industrial hall, once part of the city’s power infrastructure, now holds hundreds of interactive exhibits covering maths, engineering, energy, the human body and technology (Visit Gauteng). Its high ceilings and exposed structure suit the subject matter, and the floor plan encourages wandering between stations. Rotating exhibitions and workshops give repeat visitors new material, and the centre runs education programmes that support South Africa’s maths and science curriculum (Sci-Bono).
Visitor Highlights & Practical Info
Sci-Bono opens seven days a week, including public holidays, and closes only on Christmas Day and Good Friday. Hours run 09h00–16h30 on weekdays, Saturdays and public holidays, and 09h00–15h30 on Sundays (Sci-Bono Hours & Rates). Separate ticket rates apply to adults, children aged 3–18, under-3s, and students or pensioners with valid cards, so bring ID. Weekday mornings during term draw school buses; arrive after lunch or come on weekends for quieter exhibits. The Joburg Red Bus Tour passes through Newtown, and ride-hailing offers an easy alternative. Combine your visit with nearby Museum Africa, the Market Theatre or Mary Fitzgerald Square. Call 011 639 8400 to book groups.
