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 Waterloo 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, Quantum: the Pop-Up Exhibition.
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 Waterloo you can find Quantum Valley with the Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of Waterloo, 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 Western Development Museum in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, presented by the Saskatchewan Science Centre. 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.
Photo credit: Science World, TELUS World of Science
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 Waterloo 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.
Photo credit: Vision Event Photography
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.
Photo credit: Geoff Howe
Canada Excellence Research Chair David Cory speaks to the crowd at the alumni event.
Photo credit: Geoff Howe
University of Waterloo 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. Visit Quantum: 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.
Visit THEMUSEUM 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, Bardish 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, Dave Jaworsky, Mayor of Waterloo and Angela Veith and Jeff Henry, Councillors.
University of Waterloo President and Vice-Chancellor Feridun Hamdullahpur, the Honourable Bardish Chagger, IQC Senior Outreach Manager Martin Laforest, IQC Executive Director Raymond Laflamme, Mayor of Waterloo 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.
The Qubit Club – 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!
Beer + Science 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
Everyday Quantum: From Environment to Health Care
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.
Quantum Security and Cryptography
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
Creation Station – Quantum Cats (craft)
November 23 – 27, Daily
Bite-Sized Science (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 Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, Actua, the Canadian Association of Science Centres, the Canadian Science and Technology Museums Corporation and the Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of Waterloo.
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
- Ontario Science Centre breaks down barriers to understanding science with quantum: the exhibition and new eyes on the universe
- Canadian Association of Science Centres, August 16, 2018
- Quantum: the exhibition takes centre stage at newly reopened Canada Science and Technology Museum
- Ingenium, December 21, 2017
- The poseur's guide to quantum: the exhibition at Telus Spark
- Calgary Herald, June 26, 2017
- Saskatoon celebrates innovation
- CTV Morning Live Saskatoon, March 29, 2017
- Quantum physics in a fun way
- CTV Morning Live Saskatoon, March 29, 2017
- Western Development Museum explores quantum science in new exhibit
- Global News, March 15, 2017
- CTV News at Noon Saskatoon
- CTV News, March 15, 2017
- Quantum: the exhibition opens at the Western Development Museum - Saskatoon
- Press release, March 13, 2017
- Government of Canada celebrates science as part of Canada 150
- Government of Canada
- Quantum exhibit soon leaves Kitchener for nationwide tour
- TheRecord.com
- Invitation-only premiere of quantum
- snapd
- Confused about quantum? New exhibit at THEMUSEUM explains it for people of all ages
- CBC, October 31, 2016
- Christie projectors light up quantum: the exhibition at THEMUSEUM in downtown Kitchener
- ExchangeMagazine.com, October 25, 2016
- Quantum: the exhibition
- Kitchener Post, October 19, 2016
- UWaterloo exhibition sparks curiosity in quantum science
- Photonics Online, October 13, 2016
- UWaterloo exhibition sparks curiosity in quantum science
- Press release, October 13, 2016
- Quantum exhibit shows that 'the world is not as it seems'
- TheRecord.com, October 11, 2016
- Canadian engineers create world's smallest flag
- Officially Amazing, September 27, 2016
- Nanoscale Canadian flag sets world record in lead-up to nation's 150th birthday
- nanowerk, September 20, 2016
- Nano-scale Canadian flag sets Guinness world record
- Darpan, September 20, 2016
- O, Canada, what a small flag you have!
- cemag.us, September 20, 2016
- U-W's Institute for Quantum Computing creates world's smallest national flag
- 570News, September 20, 2016
- UW sets world record for tiniest flag
- Waterloo Region Record, September 19, 2016
- Nano-scale Canadian flag sets Guinness world records title in lead-up to nation's 150th birthday
- Phys.org, September 19, 2016
- Waterloo engineers create world's smallest flag
- CTV Kitchener, September 19, 2016
- Microscopic maple leaf made by quantum computer is smallest-ever, says Guinness world records
- Maritimes, September 19, 2016
- University of Waterloo's Institute for Quantum Computing earns Guinness record with microscopic Canadian flag
- CBC News, September 19, 2016
- Nano-scale Canadian flag sets Guinness world records title in lead-up to nation's 150th birthday
- Press release, September 19, 2016
- Innovation150 announcement
- Notice, March 15, 2016
- Nationwide partnership ignites the innovator in all of us for Canada's 150th year
- Press release, March 15, 2016
News
Ontario Science Centre breaks down barriers to understanding science with QUANTUM: The Exhibition
Exhibitions feature hands-on exhibits and multimedia games to engage visitors of all ages with quantum mechanics and particle astrophysics
QUANTUM: The Exhibition takes centre stage at newly reopened Canada Science and Technology Museum
An exhibition on quantum technologies from the University of Waterloo’s Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) is captivating curious minds at the newly reopened Canada Science and Technology Museum.
UWaterloo exhibition sparks curiosity in quantum science
A new science exhibition from the University of Waterloo’s Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) aims to make quantum science and technology more accessible for everyone.