QUANTUM: The Exhibition

French version

Measuring approximately 4,000 square feet, QUANTUM: The Exhibition is the first-ever showcase of quantum information science and technology, created by the Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ as part of Innovation 150.

This bilingual (French and English), accessible exhibition uses interactive activities, games, and videos to explore core quantum concepts, from superposition to entanglement, and how these principles are shaping revolutionary technologies of the 21st century.

Thoughtful storytelling and engaging, multi-level interactives make this fascinating science approachable for visitors of all ages and backgrounds.

Be a part of history. Join us in the Quantum Revolution.

Quantum: The Exhibition has been retired. If you are interested in bringing quantum to your community, contact iqc-outreach@uwaterloo.ca about it’s successor,ÌýQuantum: the Pop-Up Exhibition.ÌýÌý

Celebrating Canada's quantum legacy

Imagine... it’s 1947 and you are seeing a transistor for the first time. Little do you know that this small device will go on to transform our society in ways that, at the time, seem unimaginable. Fast forward to 70 years later and the transistor is so pervasive that we don’t even realize how powerful this small technology really is – transistors are in our homes, our cars, our pockets, everywhere! The transistor today drives information technology as we know it.

Yet... we are on the cusp of a similar transformation. Quantum information technologies are poised to once again transform how we live, work and play.

Quantum information technologies – technologies that harness the unique powers of quantum mechanics - are starting to emerge from research labs around the world and we are already seeing the tremendous possibilities. These technologies are more precise, more powerful and more efficient that today’s classical technologies.

But how do they work? What does it mean to be quantum? Why is quantum so different?

QUANTUM: The Exhibition explores the core concepts in quantum mechanics and shares the emerging world of quantum technologies. Canada is a leader in quantum information research. In the Region of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ you can find Quantum Valley with the Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ, the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, Quantum Valley Investments and several quantum startups. And we’re working with research institutes around the world to advance the quantum revolution.

Where the exhibition has been

Quantum is all around us. Quantum is the study of how our world works on a micro-level. The Exhibition delves into the worlds of quantum mechanics, information technology and how they are converging to create quantum information technologies – all through immersive and interactive elements.

As a Canada 150 Signature Initiative, QUANTUM: The Exhibition travelled coast-to-coast-to-coast throughout 2017. It's still on the move and coming soon to a city near you!

2018

  • Ontario Science Centre, Toronto, Ontario - August 18, 2018 to January 6, 2019 
  • Canada Science and Technology Museum, Ottawa, Ontario - December 14, 2017 to April 1, 2018

2017

Discovery Centre 
Halifax, Nova Scotia 
October 14 to November 30, 2017

TELUS Spark 
Calgary, Alberta
June 26 to August 7, 2017

Western Development Museum
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
March 14 to June 11, 2017

Western Development Museum

The second stop for QUANTUM: The Exhibition is at the  in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, presented by the . Step through an amazing quantum experience and participate in science-themed lectures and activities to celebrate Innovation150.

Bridging the Gap

March 24 - 1:00-5:00 pm, March 25 - 9:00 am-4:00 pm

Can you build a strong bridge? Learn more about structures while participating in our bridge challenge.

Art McDonald: A Deeper Understanding of the Universe from 2km Underground

April 1, 2:00 – 3:15 pm

A Canada 150 signature initiative

Presented by Perimeter Institute, the College of Arts & Science (University of Saskatchewan) and the Saskatchewan Science Centre

Journey deep underground with Nobel Laureate Art McDonald (professor emeritus at Queen's University and Perimeter Institute board member) to learn how researchers created an ultra-clean lab in an active mine to obtain otherwise-impossible measurements to study fundamental physics, astrophysics and cosmology.

Convocation Hall, Peter MacKinnon Building
University of Saskatchewan
RSVP by April 1

Scribble Bots

April 21 - 9:00 am-5:00 pm, April 22 - 9:00 am-4:00 pm

Build a robot that can make art for you! Using the principles of electricity and vibration, we will create masterpieces!

​Makey Makey

April 28 - 1:00-5:00 pm, April 29 - 9:00 am-4:00 pm

Tired of playing video games the old fashioned way? Use a Makey Makey and turn everyday objects and maybe even yourself into conductive video game controllers.

Hoop Planes

May 6 - 9:00 am-4:00 pm

A plane that flies without wings?! Build a plane that uses rings instead of wings!

Wind Car

May 26 - 1:00-5:00 pm, May 27 - 9:00 am-4:00 pm

Just like the Wind Car in the museum, build a small car that moves using the wind. Will your car be a prototype for the future?

Canadarm Challenge

June 2 - 1:00-5:00 pm

Canada is a leader in robotics research and development. Can you develop the newest Canadarm?

​Science World at TELUS World of Science
Vancouver, British Columbia
January 19 to February 26, 2017

Science World at TELUS World of Science

QUANTUM: The Exhibition starts its 2017 cross-Canada tour at Science World at TELUS World of Science in Vancouver, British Columbia. Step through an amazing quantum experience and attend unique lectures and activities.

Launch - January 19

INNOVATION150 launched at Science World at TELUS World of Science in Vancouver. Special guests included the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and the Honourable joined Canadian scientists and thinkers, as well as the great innovators of tomorrow.

Later that evening, President and Vice-Chancellor Feridun Hamdullahpur welcomed University of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ alumni and friends to QUANTUM: The Exhibition to celebrate the University’s 60th anniversary. Canada Excellence Research Chair and IQC researcher David Cory also spoke at the event.

Minister Duncan and Minister Wilson-Raybould spoke to the crowd gathered for the launch of INNOVATION150.

The IQC Outreach team was on hand to answer questions.

Canada Excellence Research Chair David Cory speaks to the crowd at the alumni event.

University of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ Vancouver alumni explore QUANTUM: The Exhibition.

President Feridun Hamdullahpur photo bombs an alumni photo op.

QUANTUM: The Exhibition – Meet an expert

January 21, 1:00PM and 3:00PM
January 22, 11:00AM

Meet Dr. Martin Laforest from the Institute for Quantum Computing, who will provide an introduction to QUANTUM: The Exhibition and will be available to answer questions about this fascinating and evolving field of science.

Opening the Door

February 6, 4:00-6:00PM

Opening the Door is a unique networking event for High School students who are interested in pursuing a career in science, technology, engineering or mathematics. This is a valuable opportunity for students to meet with professionals who work in a variety of fields. This is a FREE event. Bring your friends!

Science World After Dark: Quantum

February 17 - 7:00PM

Our latest Science World After Dark event opens up the world of Quantum information technologies. Join us and explore how researchers are merging quantum mechanics and information technology to create the technologies that will revolutionize and redefine the 21st century—and how many Canadian researchers are leading the way.

Community Screening: Quantum Shorts 2016

February 23, 6:00PM

Join us for an evening of quantum art and science. ³Õ¾±²õ¾±³ÙÌýQuantum: The Exhibition and view a series of short films inspired by the science, history, and philosophy of quantum. Find some answers to your Quantum questions at this mind-expanding panel discussion.

6:00PM    Check out Quantum: The Exhibition
7:00PM    Quantum Shorts Screening
7:45PM    Panel Discussion/Presentation
8:30PM    Q & A 

Light refreshments will be available.

Attendance is free, but seating is limited. 

THEMUSEUM
Kitchener, Ontario
October 14, 2016 to January 1, 2017

THEMUSEUM

QUANTUM: The Exhibition starts its cross-Canada tour at THEMUSEUM in downtown Kitchener. Step through an amazing quantum experience and attend unique lectures and activities.

³Õ¾±²õ¾±³ÙÌý for the following events:

The launch 

October 13, 2016

The opening of QUANTUM: The Exhibition at THEMUSEUM was launched by a celebration of innovation, including special guests Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science,ÌýBardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism, Members of Parliament Raj Saini and Harold Albrecht, Member of Provincial Parliament Daiene Vernile,ÌýDave Jaworsky, Mayor of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ and Angela Veith and Jeff Henry, Councillors.

University of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ President and Vice-Chancellor Feridun Hamdullahpur, the Honourable Bardish Chagger, IQC Senior Outreach Manager Martin Laforest, IQC Executive Director Raymond Laflamme, Mayor of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ Dave Jaworsky, the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, MP Raj Saini, MPP Daiene Vernile, Councillors Angela Veith and Jeff Henry, IQC Associate Director, Communications and Strategic Initiatives Tobi Day-Hamilton and MP Harold Albrecht

The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science entering the quantum tunnel with IQC Executive Director, Raymond Laflamme.

Guests interacting with the Schrödinger's cat exhibit.

Guests interacting with the Binary Challenge.

Guests looking at the wall of information technology devices.

 – Quantum for Kids!

October 15, 16, November 5, 6, 13  - 11:30AM and 2:30PM

What is quantum? Join us for the Qubit Club at THEMUSEUM to learn all about quantum with some fun and exciting science demonstrations!

 with Shohini Ghose

October 19 - 7:00PM

Come get your nerd on and learn about the world of physics with Nerd Nite KW! Dr. Shohini Ghose, an Associate Professor of Physics and Computer Science and Director of the Centre for Women in Science at Wilfrid Laurier University in Canada, will also be giving a presentation.

The QUANTUM Dialogues 

November 9, 7PM 

Join Martin Laforest, PhD, the Institute for Quantum Computing’s (IQC) Senior Manager of Scientific Outreach, as he delves into where we already use quantum and where researchers are hoping it will be used in the future.

November 16, 7PM 

Join IQC's Scientific Outreach Officer, Electra Eleftheriadou, PhD, and explore what it really means to be quantum safe.

The World is Not as It Seems 

Raymond Laflamme, Executive Director, IQC

 – Quantum Cats (craft)

November 23 – 27, Daily 

 (live demonstration) 

November 23 – 27, Daily 

Innovation150

Innovation150 was a collaborative celebration of Canadian innovation that captivated youth, families, and communities across the country in 2017. Featuring awe-inspiring science and technology experiences, from classrooms to the cloud, Innovation150 encouraged Canadians to explore new ideas, enhance their science literacy, and build skills critical for the future.

Inspiring innovation from coast to coast to coast

Innovation150 was a Signature Initiative of the Government of Canada’s celebration and commemoration of Canada’s 150th anniversary. It was led by the ,Ìý, the , the  and the Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ.

The 2017 program included:

  • QUANTUM: The Exhibition travelling to major centres across the country throughout 2017
  • Major science festivals in urban centres across the country
  • A Power of Ideas tour that involved a travelling science expo and experimental MakerMobiles to engage youth in 80+ communities
  • A dynamic digital footprint that features nationwide contests, crowd-sourced multimedia and regional event listings from hundreds of innovation organizations in Canada
  • A national public awareness campaign that showcases Canada’s innovative past, present and future

Press and media releases

Read (or watch) the news that's being generated for QUANTUM: The Exhibition and its Innovation150 partners

    • Canadian Association of Science Centres, August 16, 2018
    • Ingenium, December 21, 2017
    • Calgary Herald, June 26, 2017
    • CTV Morning Live Saskatoon, March 29, 2017
    • CTV Morning Live Saskatoon, March 29, 2017
    • Global News, March 15, 2017
    • CTV News, March 15, 2017
    • Press release, March 13, 2017
    • Government of Canada
    • TheRecord.com
    • snapd  
    • CBC, October 31, 2016
    • ExchangeMagazine.com, October 25, 2016
    • Kitchener Post, October 19, 2016

News