Background

Pacific Science Center: Seattle's Hub for Discovery

Explore interactive exhibits, IMAX movies, and laser shows at Seattle's iconic Pacific Science Center. Ignite your curiosity!

4.5

The Pacific Science Center in Seattle, born from the 1962 World's Fair, is a dynamic science museum with hands-on exhibits, a tropical butterfly house, planetarium, and IMAX theaters [2, 3]. It inspires curiosity and learning for all ages [9, 12].

A brief summary to Pacific Science Center

  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Book tickets online in advance to save money and reserve timed tickets for popular shows like the Planetarium and Laser Dome [5].
  • Visit on a weekday morning for a more relaxed experience, as weekends and holidays tend to be crowded [2].
  • Take advantage of PacSci's partnership with King County Metro for free transit fare by purchasing tickets in advance [4].
  • Explore the Seattle Center campus, including the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass, while visiting PacSci [5, 16].
  • Check the schedule for live science demonstrations and special events to enhance your visit [2, 5].
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Seattle, take the Seattle Center Monorail from Westlake Center to Seattle Center station [2, 4, 11, 16]. From the station, walk across the bridge to the Armory and exit through the doors to the right of Starbucks [16]. The Pacific Science Center's arches will be directly ahead [16]. A one-way trip on the Monorail costs $2 - $4 [15]. Alternatively, several Metro buses serve Seattle Center, including routes 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 13, 24, and the D Line [4, 11]. A one-way bus fare is $3 [15].

  • Walking

    From the Seattle Center Armory, head east towards the Mural Amphitheater [4, 5]. The Pacific Science Center is located adjacent to the Armory, and its entrance is easily visible from the north side of the Seattle Center campus [4]. There is no cost associated with walking.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Request a ride to 200 2nd Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109. The driver can drop you off at the accessible drop-off location along Sue Bird Court, between the Pacific Science Center and the Children's Theater [4]. A short taxi ride from downtown Seattle typically costs $7 - $9 [15].

  • Parking

    Several parking garages are available near the Seattle Center, including the 5th Avenue N Garage (516 Harrison Street) and the Mercer Street Garage (650 3rd Avenue N) [4]. Hourly parking rates in these garages typically range from $13-$15 [5]. Limited street parking is also available [4, 5, 19]. You can also reserve parking in advance using apps like SpotHero [18].

Unlock the Best of Pacific Science Center

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Discover more about Pacific Science Center

The Pacific Science Center (PacSci), located in the heart of Seattle Center, has been igniting curiosity and fueling a passion for discovery for over 60 years [9, 14]. Originally built as the United States Science Pavilion for the 1962 Seattle World's Fair, PacSci has evolved into a leading science and technology center, welcoming over a million visitors each year [2, 3, 9]. PacSci's iconic arches, designed by architect Minoru Yamasaki, have become a Seattle landmark [8, 10]. The center features eight buildings filled with interactive exhibits, two IMAX theaters, a Laser Dome, a tropical butterfly house, and a planetarium [3]. Visitors can explore diverse topics ranging from dinosaurs to outer space, and engage in hands-on learning experiences [2, 7]. Exhibits include the Tropical Butterfly House, where hundreds of butterflies flutter freely [2, 7, 9], the Tinker Tank Makerspace for hands-on creation [2, 7, 9], and Dinosaurs: A Journey Through Time [2, 7]. The Planetarium offers immersive journeys through the cosmos [2, 7, 9], while the Laser Dome combines music and laser technology for a unique sensory experience [2, 7, 13]. PacSci also hosts traveling and temporary exhibits, ensuring there's always something new to discover [3]. Beyond exhibits, PacSci offers educational programs, workshops, and camps for all ages [13, 10]. The Science On Wheels program brings science to schools throughout the Pacific Northwest [6, 10]. PacSci is committed to expanding access to science and serving as a vital resource for educators and the community [6, 14].

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