by InTrieste
As much of Italy slows down for the year-end holidays, one of Trieste’s most popular cultural institutions is doing the opposite. The Immaginario Scientifico, the city’s interactive science museum housed in the historic Magazzino 26 warehouse in Porto Vecchio, will remain open through the festive season, including on January 1 and January 6.
The museum will operate daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the sole exception of December 31, when it will close early at 2 p.m. The extended holiday schedule is designed to accommodate both residents and visitors seeking activities for families and children during one of the busiest tourism periods of the year.
Beyond regular access to its hands-on exhibits, the museum has planned a series of special activities that are included in the price of admission and do not require advance booking.
On Sunday, January 4, at 11 a.m. and again at 4 p.m., visitors will be invited to explore the hidden world of the deep sea through a new exhibit titled Giù negli abissi (“Down Into the Abyss”). Using immersive digital technologies, the installation offers a virtual descent into the ocean’s depths, an environment that is both rich in life and largely inaccessible to human observation.
On January 6, which in Italy marks the Feast of the Epiphany, the museum will host a themed treasure hunt inspired by the Befana, the folkloric figure who brings sweets and small gifts to children. According to the story, the Befana has misplaced some of her belongings throughout the museum. Participants, guided by clues and riddles, will search among the exhibits at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., testing their powers of observation, reasoning and teamwork in a playful, educational setting.
The Immaginario Scientifico, long known for blending science education with interactive experiences, has become a staple of Trieste’s cultural life, particularly for families. Its holiday programming reflects a broader effort to make science accessible and engaging during a season more often associated with traditional festivities than with discovery.
