A Moscow-based manufacturer of children’s playgrounds, Leber, has unveiled the world’s first scientific playground installed inside an actual Boeing 777. The aircraft now forms part of the new Boulevard Runway tourist zone in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Covering an expansive 140,000 square metres, Boulevard is designed to resemble a runway, with three Boeing 777s repurposed into themed venues. Inside one of these aircraft, Leber has created a scientific play and educational centre featuring seven interactive modules. Each module allows children to conduct experiments and learn about the principles behind various physical phenomena. For instance, the “Shadow Theatre” introduces optical effects, the “Electric Maze” demonstrates the movement of electrical currents, and the “Coastal Beacon” helps distinguish between halogen, fluorescent, and LED lamps. All experiments were developed by Leber in collaboration with experts from Moscow State University.
The opening of Boulevard Runway in Riyadh forms part of the broader Saudi Seasons tourism project, which in previous years has attracted more than 10 million visitors.
“We are proud that our project has become a significant cultural event, drawing attention to educational play and showcasing Russian technology on the international stage. Leber continues to develop the concept of scientific playgrounds, making them accessible to children worldwide,” said Igor Shapovalov, Leber’s Marketing Director.
Leber’s first scientific playgrounds were introduced in Russia in 2022 at the Second Congress of Young Scientists in Sochi. The project immediately garnered widespread attention, and by March 2023 the President had recommended these scientific playgrounds for all regions of Russia as part of the “Decade of Science” initiative. Today, similar educational play zones can be found in 40 regions across the country.
