Located at the southwest corner of Seattle Center near Downtown Seattle, the Pacific Science Center (PacSci) invites you to explore the wonders of science across an expansive eight-building campus. Originally designed by world-renowned architect Minoru Yamasaki as the United States Science Pavilion for the 1962 World's Fair, this iconic landmark beautifully combines historic mid-century architecture with modern educational discovery. As you wander the 7.1-acre grounds, you will encounter the famous entrance fountains seen in Elvis Presley’s movie It Happened at the World's Fair, alongside Sonic Bloom, a striking outdoor art installation featuring 33-foot solar-powered flower sculptures that hum as you approach and illuminate the night.
Inside, you will find engaging experiences tailored for all ages, welcoming more than one million visitors each year. You can marvel at hundreds of interactive, hands-on science exhibits, walk through a lush tropical butterfly house, gaze up at the stars in the planetarium, and view prehistoric giants in the permanent dinosaur display. Film and music lovers can catch immersive shows at two on-site IMAX theaters or enjoy vibrant music experiences inside the Seattle Laser Dome, one of the world's largest laser domes.
Historic treasures like the original 1962 Lens and Mirror Machine remain on view.
What to see at Pacific Science Center
- Eight buildings filled with hundreds of hands-on science exhibits, a planetarium, and a tropical butterfly house
- A permanent dinosaur display alongside historic 1962 World's Fair exhibits like the Lens and Mirror Machine
- Two on-site IMAX theaters and the massive Seattle Laser Dome for immersive movie and light shows
- Minoru Yamasaki arch architecture, iconic entrance fountains, and solar-powered Sonic Bloom sculptures
Visiting tips
Walk up to the 33-foot Sonic Bloom flower sculptures outdoors to hear them hum as you approach and see them light up at night.
How long: Half day · Best time: Daytime
How to get there & what’s nearby
Pacific Science Center is easy to reach on Seattle’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Museum of Pop Culture and Seattle Art Museum. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Seattle travel guide.
See the full Seattle travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.