Science centres and museums aim at tickling the curiosity of visitors, provoking questions and scientific thinking. A unique strength is that we can offer the public real objects, real experiences and real examples. This can be challenging. Some topics seem too difficult, big, tiny, or distant in time or space, like biotechnology or space travel. We also worry that the reality of scientific work, or the rare accessible examples thereof, may not create an engaging experience, so we sometimes rely on theatrical approaches to stimulate interest. At the same time, more and more museums are going virtual and offer online visits. What’s gained and what’s lost? In this session we discuss what we can learn from several case studies. Bring your own examples, and you will leave with a firmer grip on reality.