2021 is the year of a double anniversary for the Euro Space Centre in Belgium’s Ardennes.
The only theme park dedicated to space in Europe celebrates its 30th anniversary and the first anniversary of its reopening this year.
After an investment of €13 million and a year of work, the centre has been given a complete overhaul. In addition to new attractions allowing a greater immersion into the universe of space exploration thanks to a completely revised scenography, it now includes two restaurants, 240 beds, a planetarium and laboratories.
The new attractions, such as the Free Fall Slide, the Space Rotor and a brand-new Mars Village, will delight young and old alike, whether for a stay, a space class or a visit with family or friends.
One year after its reopening and despite a difficult public health context, the centre is doing well, a spokesman told this website.
“In 2021 we welcomed students for space classes totalling more than 17,000 days of training. July and August were well filled with no less than 1,000 trainees who took advantage of the school vacations to deepen their knowledge of one of the 13 offered themes, ranging from astronomy to rocket construction. The students are clearly enjoying our offer, as reservations for the 2022 stays are following each other up quickly.”
“The summer also saw more than 30,000 visitors who, with family or friends, came to touch the confines of the universe… a success that was confirmed in the Fall with an All-Saints’ week that sold out with nearly 3,000 visitors.”
In addition to this, a new e-ticketing system allows visitors to book their tickets according to the date that suits them. This reservation system guarantees the quality of the service, said the spokesman.
The educational theme park is fully booked several weeks in advance, and since its reopening, the centre has welcomed no less than 65,000 visitors.
Building on this festive momentum, and after the arrival of Saint Nicholas (on the weekends of November 28 and 29 and December 4 and 5), the centre is delighted to welcome another distinguished guest … Santa!
For the first time in 30 years, it will allow visitors to experience a galactic Christmas atmosphere in the presence of Santa Claus, featuring a selection of seasonal delicacies, decorations that smell of fir trees, delicious mulled wine, tartiflette and onion soup. During the weekend of December 18 and 19, Father Christmas will land his sleigh in Transinne to welcome all aspiring astronauts.
