Science centres are currently operational or are "in the pipeline" in a large number of the world's countries, as the importance of enhancing public awareness is recognized and the development of modern society prioritized. Such centres can be found in many cities and towns of America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. The prototype of all such institutions is the Exploratorium opened by Prof. Frank Oppenheimer in San Francisco in 1969. 

Links to selected science centres around the world: