The exhibition features the science-and-theatre performance Atom in Action and eight interactive exhibits. It introduces visitors to the history of the Universe and the fundamental building blocks of life. The science show illustrates the lifecycle of atoms, the creation and journey of oxygen molecules, and explains natural phenomena such as combustion, electricity, sound, and chemical reactions. The eight hands-on exhibits cover topics in mechanics, biology, physiology, and psychology, encouraging visitors to explore the world through observation and experimentation.
Since the onset of the russia’a full-scale invasion, Heureka, the Finnish Science Center, has been one of the first international partners to support the Junior Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (JAS) in its educational mission. The Science Center donated this exhibition to inspire Ukrainian children and support their emotional well-being. Following the extensive adaptation and logistical process, Heureka Science Circus arrived in Ukraine as a unique form of educational humanitarian aid.

“We are sincerely grateful to the Finnish Science Center for our longstanding and fruitful cooperation. Special thanks go to Director Mikko Myllykoski for his unwavering support, trust, and the tremendous efforts in making this exhibition possible in Ukraine. We also extend our gratitude to the Ministry of Education and Culture of Finland for their support and involvement in this important initiative. Our heartfelt appreciation goes to the entire Heureka team for their professionalism and genuine partnership. This exhibition offers Ukrainian children an opportunity to engage with the fascinating world of science and to feel supported and inspired, even in challenging times,” said Stanislav Dovgyi, President of the Junior Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.
“Heureka wishes to inspire Ukrainian students to engage with science by donating its Science Circus to the Junior Academy of Sciences. This is the best use we can imagine for our playful combination of science show and interactive exhibition. Heureka Science Circus has a great track record: it has toured all regions of Finland. It has reached close to 60,000 students and teachers in schools and shopping centres from Lapland to Southern Finland. The Science Circus was originally created with a generous grant from the Finnish Cultural Foundation. Now it has been totally refurbished, updated and translated into Ukrainian with support from the Finnish Ministry of Education. We wish our wonderful colleagues, the educators from Junior Academy of Sciences, great experiences and encounters in sharing the joy of discovery with students of all ages across Ukraine,” said Mikko Myllykoski, Director of Heureka, the Finnish Science Center.
During 2022–2023, Heureka staff trained the JAS team on the methodological and technical aspects of operating the exhibition. As a result, the Heureka Science Circus has ben integrated into the Junior Academy of Sciences’ Travelling Science Museum project and will be showcased at various locations across Ukraine.
“Since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, more than 20 science centres and museums from the Ecsite network — the European Network of Science Centres and Museums — as well as other European partners, have supported the JAS’s initiative to promote science engagement across different regions of Ukraine by donating exhibits and equipment. We deeply appreciate each of these partnerships, which enable Ukrainian children to explore science in an engaging and interactive way,” said Vasyl Dunets, Deputy Director of the Junior Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.