The Garden of Experiences in Krakow

The Stanisław Lem Garden of Experiences in Krakow, opened in 2007, is a unique educational park located in the southeastern part of the Polish Aviators Park, covering an area of 6 hectares. The project was designed by the architectural firm Ingarden & Ewý, and its concept is modeled on renowned educational centers such as the "Field of Sensory Experiences" in Nuremberg and the La Villette Science Park in Paris. The garden is an outdoor branch of the Museum of Municipal Engineering in Krakow and is implemented by the City of Krakow and the SIEMACHA Association as part of the "Nowa Huta – New Opportunity" project. The outdoor educational exhibition of the garden consists of various devices, models, and structures that allow visitors to discover the laws of physics and natural phenomena. The park features installations related to aspects such as gravity, balance, vibrations, water, and human senses. The exhibits are divided into three interaction categories: researcher-participant, researcher-experimenter, and researcher-observer, enabling diverse experiences. In 2007, 22 installations were made available, and by September of the same year, an additional 35 were introduced, with plans for 60 different exhibits aimed at educating and entertaining visitors. Notable attractions include Newton's cradle, gondolas, kaleidoscopes, and rail carts. The history of the park begins with the signing of the foundation act in 2006 by the City President, and it officially opened on September 5, 2007. The Garden of Experiences is the first such initiative in Poland, combining education and entertainment in an unprecedented way, engaging both children and adults in learning through play. This innovative space has become an important landmark on Krakow's cultural map, promoting knowledge and experimentation.