MEGAWORLD'S Iloilo Business Park (IBP) will open Science XPdition, the first science-dedicated museum in Iloilo City, this July on the third level of Festive Walk Mall, occupying 1,650 square meters within the 72-hectare township.
Graham Coates, head of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, said the interactive museum will enhance the township's reputation as a center for arts and culture while providing educational experiences for families and students.
"Science XPdition brings a new layer of educational and cultural enrichment to Iloilo Business Park as we position our township as a destination for learning and exploration," Coates said.
Coates expressed excitement about welcoming children, students, and families to a new attraction, aiming to provide more meaningful and educational experiences.
The museum features over 100 interactive exhibits and more than 100 hands-on experiments across 10 themed laboratories covering physics, biology, engineering, and zoology. The facility emphasizes immersive, hands-on science education designed to promote curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking among visitors.
Unlike traditional walk-through exhibitions, Science XPdition allows visitors to participate directly with displays, creating a fully interactive and sensory experience. The exhibits are specifically designed to make science accessible and engaging for children and families.
A prominent attraction within the museum is a life-size silicone figure of Albert Einstein, crafted by Madame Tussauds Hong Kong. The hyper-realistic figure provides visitors with a unique photo opportunity while serving as tribute to one of science's most iconic figures.
Science XPdition becomes the third museum within IBP, joining the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art (Ilomoca) and the Brandy Museum.
The Ilomoca holds the distinction of being the first contemporary art museum in Visayas and Mindanao, while the Brandy Museum represents the first and only museum of its kind in the Philippines.
Arnie Batac, executive director of the Iloilo Business Park Arts & Culture Council, said the new museum aligns with the township's vision to become a cultural and creative district for Iloilo.
"Our vision for Iloilo Business Park is to become a true cultural and creative district for Iloilo—one that celebrates the arts and heritage, and also inspires learning and discovery. With the presence of Ilomoca, the Brandy Museum, and the opening of Science XPdition, we are laying the groundwork for a thriving community where culture, education, and innovation intersect," Batac said.
Batac expressed enthusiasm for the township's future, stating that it is just the beginning and plans to provide more enriching and meaningful experiences.
The museum is expected to become a regular destination for school field trips, family outings, and educational visits, further establishing IBP as a hub for learning and exploration.
The opening reinforces Megaworld's commitment to developing cultural attractions within its townships, combining commercial development with educational and cultural enrichment for the local community.
Science XPdition represents part of broader efforts to position Iloilo Business Park as a comprehensive destination that offers entertainment, culture, and educational opportunities within a single location. (Leo Solinap/SunStar Philippines)