St Michael (Miles) Coslany - Inspire Discovery Centre
Summary
Since 1995 St Michael Coslany has been the home of the Inspire Discovery Centre : “a different kind of museum , where children and adults can explore science through fun hands on activities.”
Inspire is part of the Science Projects Federation, an educational charity based in London with achievements including: the development of a travelling science centre (the Discovery Dome) and developing hands on exhibits for other science centres. It opened its permanent centre in Norwich after the success of the Discovery Dome exhibition in the city.
Although not an ideal location for the centre, if the church had not been available Inspire, which attracts over 20,000 visitors a year, is unlikely to have opened in the City. During term time the Discovery Centre is visited daily by schools who make up about 16% of the visitor numbers and who form the base for Inspire’s successful outreach programme.
There are over 35 interactive activities within the centre based on five themes one of which is Medieval Engineering. Inspired by the church location children are invited to see “How well will you fare as a medieval craftsman? Can you build a bridge or a clock have a try & find out !” Additionally the centre offers a rolling programme of touring exhibitions, new shows and special events on a variety of subjects including drama, sport, arts and crafts.