Puerto Rico's Parque de las Ciencias has reopened in Bayamon, a suburb of San Juan, after a seven-year closure and a $20 million renovation.
The science park, damaged by Hurricane Maria n September 2017, will feature 25 new attractions. They include the Aerospace Institute, a museum developed in partnership with NASA that focuses on aerospace advances and historical events and includes a gyroscope, a virtual reality platform that enables visitors to experience the sensation of flying freely through various landscapes. There are other interactive exhibits, as well.
Worlds of new attractions
The Planet of Transportation offers a dark-ride experience with illuminated scenes, animation, sound, music and special effects. Other attractions include Planet of Time, which showcases a miniature village and offers various dining options; the Planet of Biodiversity, which features a terrarium for reptiles, a Little Explorers Institute for children, the Yunque Rainforest Cafe, and a projection dome that displays immersive video mappings including an El Yunque Rainforest experience; Archaeological Planet, a museum highlighting the island's native Taino population; and the T-Rex House, which holds an interactive dinosaur exhibit.
The Archaeological Planet Museum in the park is dedicated to the history of Puerto Rico’s aboriginal population, the Tainos, and includes thousands of artifacts. Photo Credit: Discover Puerto Rico
"Parque de las Ciencias is a true gem of Puerto Rico, and its reopening marks a significant milestone for our island's tourism industry," said Davelyn Tardi, director of public relations at Discover Puerto Rico. "This park offers an unmatched blend of entertainment and education, making it a must-visit attraction for both locals and visitors alike."
Tickets for Parque de las Ciencias start at $25. Parque de las Ciencias is also a venue for meetings and events.