The centre was opened in 2000 and was intended as the permanent face of what was then Flanders’ bi-annual science and technology fair. It is described as an “activity centre” because, although it has many of the attributes of a museum, it’s not exhibiting any sort of collection.

The idea is a hands-on experience in learning the basics – and the fun – of science and technology. “The original purpose was to bring science and technology closer to the people in general, not only to children,” explains Sonja Truien, communications director. “Of course we get a lot of children, but we also like to create an environment where children and adults are mixed. It’s very important for adults to be involved in investigating Technopolis together with their kids.”

The centre is built on several levels within a gigantic hangar-like structure, with levels linked by sloping gangways, making it not only accessible for wheelchairs and baby buggies, but also for Segway scooters, which the staff roll around on.

There are basically three types of exhibits at Technopolis. There’s the permanent collection of gadgets and gizmos illustrating various aspects of science and technology: air and wind, structural engineering, water, the house and everyday mechanics. Then there’s the theatre downstairs that shows an animated movie on the human body. Finally, there’s the temporary exhibit, which at the moment is called Van snot tot prot (Grossology in English), which explores everything that’s most disgusting about the human body.

The exhibitions are dreamed up by the Technopolis scientific committee, which includes senior academics from the main Flemish universities. “Their job is to make sure they’re as innovative as possible,” Truien explains. “And they really do supervise the work very closely.” Grossology started last September and was supposed to run until the end of June, but it has been prolonged until 31 August because it’s so popular.

The most important feature of the whole layout is that it is completely open to children: everything is hands-on, and most exhibits involve some level of manipulation, whether it’s creating giant soap bubbles or building a hump-backed bridge or firing balls into a giant human nose. That’s an aspect too many museums restrict – or lack entirely – but of course it’s an essential part of a child’s enjoyment.

Be prepared as an accompanying adult to have your own knowledge of physics, chemistry, anatomy, fluid dynamics, optics and biology tested to the limit. Luckily, there’s a fair amount of information to help, and it’s all in three languages. Also, there’s a staff of educators who carry out demonstrations and experiments on the floor, as well as monitors who help answer questions. And if the constant questions get too much, you can always send your kids off to slide down a pole or cycle on a bike across a cable five metres above the ground.

For kids aged four to eight, there’s a separate area where they can do their own thing without fear of being elbowed aside by bigger children – which is a real concern. Something about all that available experimentation turns children into maniacs (not that there’s anything wrong with that).

Kids love gross

The Grossology exhibit responds to all that’s most stomach-churning about kids’ interests. There’s something a bit Roald Dahl in the wicked pleasure the creators have taken in reproducing a tunnel in the form of human intestines, a climbing-wall dotted with spots and pustules and a giant nose you can stroll through.

Even the stuffiest adult will get a kick out of a set of tubes of various dimensions, like a church organ, made to reproduce farting sounds if you can get them to vibrate just like a human sphincter. I was delighted by the interactive TV quiz (though I scored poorly), but admittedly less delighted by the game that involves guessing if a stink in a tube comes from smelly feet, sick or something even more unspeakable.

Technopolis organises technical clubs for girls aged 10 to 12. The clubs have been running in Mechelen and Leuven; this year one was added in Brussels. The groups come together every two weeks in a laboratory for 10 two-hour sessions. Tutors are women scientists because of course good role models are essential.

The centre also leads visits for “active and curious” people of 55 and over, coupled with tours of the Toy Museum in Mechelen and the Sportimonium.

www.technopolis.be