Museo Elder de la Ciencia y la Tecnología

The Museo Elder de la Ciencia y la Tecnología is an interactive science museum in Parque Santa Catalina, near the port and Las Canteras beach in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain. It opened in 1999 in a building tied to the history of the port, a district that grew in the late 19th century when British shipping and coaling companies made Las Palmas a major Atlantic stopover. The museum represents the contemporary era of science and technology rather than a single historical period, but its setting reflects the city's maritime and industrial heritage. The exhibition is immersive and hands-on, organised by themes such as the physical sciences, the human body, the environment, space, energy, communications and technology. Visitors can try experiments, interactive displays and demonstrations, and the museum also operates a planetarium-style screening room and an areas for temporary exhibitions and workshops. The approach is educational and aimed particularly at families and school groups, with activities designed to make scientific principles tangible. The building was adapted for museum use at the time of opening, and its galleries have been updated since to keep exhibits current and in working order. A visit usually takes two to three hours, longer for families with young children. Admission is about EUR 7, with different rates for children and groups, and the museum is open most of the day from Tuesday to Sunday. Labels are mainly in Spanish, with English available for some exhibits and shows. The museum is a good option on a rainy day or as a break from beaches and historic sites, and it is a short walk from Santa Catalina's cafes, the Las Canteras promenade and the port, which give the visit a convenient base.