London’s new MathsWorld revolutionises maths education with immersive discovery centre

A vibrant new maths discovery centre has opened on London’s South Bank, offering hands-on exhibits and immersive activities to make mathematics engaging and accessible for visitors of all ages, with ambitions to inspire a new generation of mathematicians.

A vibrant new chapter in mathematics education has opened on London’s South Bank with the unveiling of MathsWorld, the UK’s first hands-on maths discovery centre. Situated beneath the railway arches on Burrell Street, this innovative space spans around 700 square metres and features more than 40 interactive exhibits designed to bring maths to life for visitors of all ages. Developed by the charity MathsWorldUK, the centre aims to turn mathematical concepts into engaging, accessible, and enjoyable experiences reminiscent of what the Science Museum has done for science.

MathsWorld invites visitors to explore a wide variety of immersive activities—from cracking secret codes and investigating kaleidoscopic patterns to solving logic puzzles and discovering how artificial intelligence “thinks.” The centre even includes a dedicated zone for children under eight, ensuring younger visitors can explore and learn in a playful and supportive environment. An additional seasonal attraction, the Polydron Play Zone, allows children to build giant dinosaurs, geodomes, and diverse geometric shapes using 395 colourful pieces, bridging imagination and mathematical learning over the half-term holiday.

The centre draws heavily on inspiration from renowned international maths museums such as Germany’s Mathematikum and New York’s Museum of Mathematics (MoMath). MathsWorldUK, a charity committed to cultivating national maths discovery centres, launched MathsCity in Leeds in 2021 as a pilot project which has already attracted over 50,000 visitors. With London’s MathsWorld expected to welcome more than 90,000 visitors annually, the organisation envisions it as a stepping stone toward a full National Mathematics Discovery Centre.

The philosophy behind these maths museums is to celebrate maths not just as a subject of study but as a universal and dynamic part of everyday life, creativity, and innovation. According to Johnny Ball, a veteran TV presenter and passionate advocate for maths education, London is fittingly the home for such a centre. Speaking about the project, he highlighted the city’s long-standing role in mathematical history, remarking that the Greenwich Observatory’s establishment in 1675 set the basis for global navigation and timekeeping, making London “the Mathematical Centre of the World.”

Situated at Arches, 6 Burrell Street (SE1 0UN), with excellent transport links including Southwark, Blackfriars, and London Bridge stations, the centre operates Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 4pm, and weekends from 10am to 5pm. Tickets are priced competitively, with adult annual passes at £14.50, concessions and children at £13, and free entry for under-3s. The venue is committed to accessibility, featuring wheelchair access and facilities to ensure all visitors can comfortably enjoy their experience.

MathsWorldUK continues to develop its broader vision of creating a network of mathematics discovery centres, with ambitions outlined through 2023 to 2025 that include refining thematic content such as Code Breaking, Chaotic Earth, and Chance and Risk. Supported by prominent mathematical societies and educational institutions, including direct cooperation with MoMath in New York, the charity is actively seeking financial contributions to sustain and expand these initiatives.

MathsWorld offers a fresh alternative for families, students, and curious minds of any age who may have previously found mathematics daunting or unapproachable. By transforming abstract concepts into tangible interactions, the centre fosters a sense of wonder and “aha!” moments, demonstrating that maths is not only useful but also creative and fun.

📌 Reference Map:

• Paragraph 1 – ^[1] (MyLondon), ^[4] (MathsWorld website)
• Paragraph 2 – ^[1] (MyLondon), ^[4] (MathsWorld website)
• Paragraph 3 – ^[1] (MyLondon), ^[2] (MathsWorldUK)
• Paragraph 4 – ^[1] (MyLondon)
• Paragraph 5 – ^[1] (MyLondon), ^[4] (MathsWorld website), ^[5] (MathsWorld website)
• Paragraph 6 – ^[2] (MathsWorldUK), ^[7] (MathsWorldUK)
• Paragraph 7 – ^[1] (MyLondon), ^[4] (MathsWorld website)

Source: Noah Wire Services

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score:
8

Notes:
The narrative appears to be original, with no evidence of prior publication. The opening of MathsWorld on London’s South Bank is a recent event, and the report provides specific details about the centre’s features and operations. The inclusion of updated data, such as visitor expectations and ticket prices, suggests a high freshness score. However, the report draws heavily on inspiration from international maths museums like Germany’s Mathematikum and New York’s Museum of Mathematics (MoMath), which may indicate some recycled content. Additionally, the narrative mentions the earlier launch of MathsCity in Leeds in 2021, which could be seen as recycled content. Nonetheless, the focus on the new London centre and its unique aspects supports the overall freshness of the report. ([mathscity.co.uk](https://mathscity.co.uk/?utm_source=openai)) ([eps.leeds.ac.uk](https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/maths/news/article/5756/national-mathematics-discovery-centre-opens-in-leeds-city-centre?utm_source=openai))

Quotes check

Score:
9

Notes:
The report includes a quote from Johnny Ball, a veteran TV presenter and advocate for maths education, highlighting London’s role in mathematical history. A search for this quote reveals no earlier usage, suggesting it is original to this report. The wording matches the search results, indicating consistency. ([eps.leeds.ac.uk](https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/maths/news/article/5756/national-mathematics-discovery-centre-opens-in-leeds-city-centre?utm_source=openai))

Source reliability

Score:
7

Notes:
The narrative originates from MyLondon, a local news outlet. While it is a reputable source, it is not as widely recognised as national outlets like the BBC or Reuters. The report is also supported by information from the official MathsWorldUK website, which adds credibility. ([mathsworlduk.com](https://www.mathsworlduk.com/?utm_source=openai))

Plausability check

Score:
8

Notes:
The claims about the opening of MathsWorld on London’s South Bank are plausible and align with the mission of MathsWorldUK to establish a National Mathematics Discovery Centre. The report provides specific details about the centre’s location, features, and ticket prices, which are consistent with the information available on the official website. The mention of international inspirations like Mathematikum and MoMath adds context and credibility. ([mathsworlduk.com](https://www.mathsworlduk.com/?utm_source=openai))

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH

Summary:
The report provides original and timely information about the opening of MathsWorld on London’s South Bank, supported by credible sources and specific details. The inclusion of a direct quote from Johnny Ball adds authenticity. While there are minor elements of recycled content, they do not significantly detract from the overall credibility of the report.