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Seattle, Washington / Museums

Pacific Science Center

A premier nonprofit science education organization in Seattle, featuring interactive exhibits, a tropical butterfly house, and a planetarium.

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Pacific Science Center
www.pacificsciencecenter.org, og_image_www.pacificsciencecenter.org

What is the Pacific Science Center known for?

It is a nonprofit science education organization featuring interactive science exhibits, a tropical butterfly house, a planetarium, a maker space, and an IMAX theater.

What are the hours?

The museum is generally open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. During the off-peak season, it is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed Mondays and Tuesdays, except for select Seattle Public School holidays.

What is included with general admission?

General admission includes unlimited daytime laser shows and planetarium shows, though free timed tickets are required. Because planetarium shows have limited capacity and sell out quickly, advance reservations are recommended.

When is the museum closed?

The museum is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Where is it located?

The main museum is located at 200 Second Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, on the grounds of the Seattle Center near Downtown Seattle. There are also auxiliary facilities in Bellevue, Washington.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Pacific Science Center is a nonprofit science education organization located in the heart of Seattle, Washington. Founded in 1962, the institution leverages a historic site, reusing the United States Science Pavilion from the Century 21 Exposition to create a space dedicated to learning and discovery. This commitment to education is further evidenced by its partnership with the University of Washington Polar Science Center to collaborate on science education initiatives. Situated on the grounds of the Seattle Center near Downtown Seattle, the main campus receives more than 1 million visitors each year. The facility is designed for immersive experience, featuring a diverse array of interactive science exhibits, a dedicated maker space, and a tropical butterfly house. Visitors can also explore the wonders of the cosmos through the planetarium and experience cinematic scale through the IMAX theater. To maximize the visit, guests should be aware of the current operational status of the facilities. While the general museum is open seven days a week, the Discovery Center was scheduled for temporary maintenance closure from December 22, 2025, through January 31, 2026. The public courtyard, however, remains an accessible open space available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

Visitor tips

  • Reserve planetarium shows in advance as they have limited capacity and sell out quickly.
  • Avoid the Denny Way entrance, as it is currently closed.
  • Plan your visit for before 4 p.m., as this is the last entry time for the museum.
  • General admission includes unlimited planetarium and daytime laser shows, but remember to secure free timed tickets.

Nearby context

Located on the Seattle Center campus, the Pacific Science Center is surrounded by other major cultural institutions and museums, making it a concentrated area of discovery and education.

Sources

Evidence and links