The white arches of Pacific Science Center lit at dusk at Seattle Center

Pacific Science Center

Photo: Pano Pan via Google Maps

Pacific Science Center sits at the foot of the Space Needle on the edge of Seattle Center, beneath the soaring white arches that architect Minoru Yamasaki designed for the 1962 World’s Fair. Known around town as PacSci, it is an independent nonprofit that serves more than 500,000 people a year, and it describes itself as the nation’s first science and technology center.

This is a hands on place built for curiosity. Families come for the live butterflies, the planetarium and the laser shows, but the exhibits on space, the human body and making things give older kids and adults plenty to dig into too. With the Space Needle, the monorail and the rest of Seattle Center steps away, it slots easily into a full day downtown.

What You’ll See

  • Tropical Butterfly House: a warm, planted room where live butterflies flutter around you.
  • Planetarium: live, interactive shows that take you from the solar system to the edge of the universe.
  • Laser Dome: laser shows set to immersive sound.
  • IMAX: feature films and documentaries on a giant screen.
  • Destination: Outer Space: a space exploration exhibit featuring a Gemini capsule, plus the interactive Science on a Sphere.
  • Brainy Bodies and the Maker & Innovation Lab: human biology and movement in one, and the Tinker Tank makerspace in the other, where visitors get to build and experiment.

PacSci also brings in temporary exhibits throughout the year; check the website for what is on during your visit.

The Story Behind It

PacSci was established in 1962 as part of the Seattle World’s Fair, and it still occupies facilities built for that fair. Yamasaki’s design drew praise from New York Times art critic John Canaday, who wrote that it “combines a spareness and precision suggestive of science with a soaring lightness.” Dixy Lee Ray served as the center’s first education coordinator and director from 1963 to 1972, envisioning a place that would show the essence, aims and methods of science could be widely appreciated.

Those 1962 buildings need constant care, and in 2026 PacSci sold less than a quarter of its campus, including one of its two IMAX theaters, to help fund operations and targeted upgrades. Plans include growing the makerspace into a 14,000 square foot exhibit spanning three floors.

Tips for Your Visit

  • Use the North Entrance near the Armory and the Mural Amphitheater; the South Entrance on Denny Way is closed.
  • Planetarium shows have limited capacity and sell out quickly, so reserve your show in advance.
  • There is an accessible drop off along Sue Bird Court, between PacSci and the Children’s Theater.
  • Skip the parking hunt by riding the Seattle Center Monorail from Westlake Center, about a 90 second trip, or take Metro buses that serve Seattle Center.
  • If you drive, Seattle Center garages on 5th Avenue N and Mercer Street are nearby, and you can reserve a spot ahead through SpotHero.

Plan Your Visit

Address: 200 Sue Bird Ct N, Seattle, WA 98109
Phone: 206.443.2001
Website: pacificsciencecenter.org
Hours and admission: Check the museum website for current days, hours, and admission before you visit.
Directions: View on Google Maps

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