When science and art wear red: family weekend at Città della Scienza

When science and art wear red

Date: 9–10 May 2026 • Location: Città della Scienza, Naples

A family-focused weekend that invites children and adults to investigate the color red through hands-on experiments, sensory readings, creative workshops and immersive planetarium shows. Activities are suitable for ages 0–12 and combine science education with artistic expression.

Main activities

• Breathing Red (ages 3–6): animated reading followed by sensory and artistic activities for younger children.
• Red Uncovered (ages 7–10): chromatography workshop to reveal hidden shades of red and learn basics of pigment separation.
• Red Like Lava (ages 11–13): volcano workshop with model building and eruption simulation, including an introduction to seismic phenomena.
• Science in Color!: a science show for all ages featuring dancing inks and pigment experiments.
• Two space-themed educational sessions by ESERO Italy/ESA: on 9 May "The Orion capsule returns!" and on 10 May "Gyroscopes, lasers and corner reflectors for space exploration."
• WWF activities for the Month of Oases: an information point and a hands-on lab in the woodland area to explore local biodiversity.
• Planetarium: "Stars in Color: The Great Show of the Cosmos" in partnership with the Union of Neapolitan Amateur Astronomers; solar photosphere observation on the outdoor square between 11:00 and 13:00.

Practical info

Book activities in advance when possible, as workshops often have limited places and age-specific slots. Visitors are encouraged to wear a red detail to join the event theme.

During the weekend visitors can also see the permanent exhibitions: "Sensations - Explore the 5 Senses" (open until 26 July) and "Insects & Co." The "Earthquakes of Italy" exhibit closes on 9 May.

Family tip: choose workshops suitable for your children’s ages and include short breaks to keep younger participants engaged.