The idea of a National Science Centre was conceived in the early 1980’s by the National Council for Scientific Research and Development.

The objective was to promote awareness and understanding of science and technology among Malaysians. Realizing the scale of the endeavour, a unit of government was established by the then Minister of Science, Technology, and the Environment YB Datuk Amar Stephen Yong to develop the project.

The Temporary Science Centre increased its collection of exhibits but it was not until 1990 that the National Science Centre Project was approved under the Fifth Malaysian Plan. Construction on the building and basic infrastructure began in November 1991. On February 27th, 1992, YAB Encik Abdul Ghafar Baba, the then Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia officiated the opening of the National Science Centre at Bukit Kiara, Kuala Lumpur.

Work on the unique Pusat Sains Negara building was completed in 1993. A truncated cone capped by a geodesic dome remains an architectural testament to the creativity of the Public Works Department who supervised the project at every stage of the building.

Equipped with an Integrated Building Management System (IBMS), the National Science Centre has two levels of exhibition floor covering a total of 6,717 square meters. A multi-media library, a general science laboratory, three workshops, two auditoriums, and a multi-purpose hall provide a range of facilities within the interior. The landscaped grounds continue the educational theme. An eco-pond, a herbal garden, and a children’s playground complement exhibitions in the main building and further accentuate the emphasis on physical and biological sciences.

The National Science Centre project has a commitment to keep abreast of rapid developments within the fields of Science and Technology. Interactive science exhibits designed by local and foreign experts continue to stimulate, excite, and encourage visitors to have an active interest in science and technology.

Officially launched by the former Prime Minister of Malaysia YAB Tun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohammed on November 29th 1996, the exhibits are categorized into two groups, ‘Basic Sciences’ and ‘Technology.’ The overall concept of the Centre is to link science and its applications to aspects of our daily lives.