It’s taken Vancouver’s Science World years to finally open an exhibit on the topic of nanotechnology. (Btw, I’ve been waiting since 2008.) As they say, better late than never.

The exhibit, according to a Sept. 20, 2016 Vancouver Science World Telus World of Science media release, opened Sept. 24, 2016,

Nanoscience and engineering explore methods of manipulating materials on the molecular scale, to create very, very small structures and devices-from stain-repellent clothing to new medicines to treat diseases. Advances in nanotechnology are likely to change the way we design and fabricate almost everything.

Zoom into Nano presents a variety of large-scale, immersive experiences in the world of nanotechnology. Zoom into tiny structures and devices to see the amazing beauty of natural and manmade objects at very high magnification. Immerse yourself in models of atoms and molecules that are enlarged to 100 million times their actual size.

“We are pleased to be bringing the world of nanotechnology to our visitors,” said Scott Sampson, President and CEO of Science World. “As the demand for this kind of technology increases, we feel that it’s important for British Columbians to understand its relevancy and significance. We also feel it’s important for our young future science leaders to see this technology as a potential path for career opportunities.”

Zoom into Nano was developed by the Sciencenter of Ithaca, NY, through a partnership with Cornell University, with funding from the National Science Foundation.

You can purchase tickets in advance of your visit by visiting the Zoom into Nano exhibit page. You’ll also find a Nano blog on the page although there doesn’t appear to be a link to it yet.

For the curious, there’s a little more information about the exhibit on the Sciencenter of Ithaca, NY website,

Spin wheels and zoom into the nanoscale! Move your body—dissolve a crystal and stretch a molecule! Create a pattern, then shrink it! Challenge yourself—can you transport atoms in motion? Build molecular models and giant carbon nanotubes. Use your senses: discover how you can detect invisible molecules with just your nose. Find out how nanotechnology affects our lives.

Zoom Into Nano is a hands-on interactive exhibition focusing on how scientists see and make things that are too small to see. Nanoscale science and engineering are methods of manipulating materials on the molecular scale to generate very, very small structures and devices.

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The Sciencentre even has a brochure with details about renting the exhibit,

Rental Fee: $60,000 for 3 ½ months*

Size: 4,000 – 5,000 sq. ft.

Shipping: fits in 2 semi-trailers

renter pays inbound shipping

*includes on-site setup supervisor

Designed for ages 8-13 and families

The brochure includes information about individual parts of the exhibition such as the: Magnification Station, Infinity Crystal, Carbon Nanotubes, Particle Progression, Shrink a Pattern, Listen to a Nano Story, and more.

The show at Vancouver’s Science World runs from Sept. 24, 2016 – Jan.2, 2017 and there’s a 20% discount coupon for a general admission (up to five people per coupon), which is valid until Oct. 31, 2016. You can find the coupon in The Georgia Straight newspaper, Sept. 22 – 29, 2016 edition on p. 4.

One final note: Science World Telus World of Science is a peculiar name borne of some odd circumstances. Telus, a telecommunications company, gave the former Science World a great sum of money on the agreement that they could stick their corporate name onto the facility’s name (brand), Science World. There was a major public outcry and so a compromise position was achieved. Most locals still call it Science World and the facility is mostly called that in the media but the official name includes Telus World of Science until such time as the funding runs out at which point a new corporate donor could require a new compromise.