before the building was completed, a number of test exhibitions were set up at other sites. the interior plan for the science centre was completed in 1986. the foundation for the building was laid in october 1987, and the construction work was completed one year later. the overall area of the building is 8,200 m2, of which 2,800 m2 is exhibition space. the finnish science centre heureka opened its doors to the public on 28 april 1989.