Whitaker Center for Science & the Arts - Harrisburg, PA

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Explore Whitaker Center for Science & the Arts

Located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts is Central Pennsylvania’s premier center for education and cultural enrichment. Whitaker Center is a thought leader in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) engagement for all ages and backgrounds. We believe that by investing our resources in educating, entertaining, and engaging visitors, we can spark a movement that makes our community a better place to live, work, and play. Composed of four main venues – UPMC Science Center (formerly Harsco Science Center), PNC Innovation Zone, Sunoco Performance Theater, and Select Medical Digital Cinema Theater, Whitaker Center has something for everyone as a destination of choice.

Plan Your Visit

UPMC Science Center

Fascinating exhibits about Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math all combine to make a visit to the UPMC Science Center an extraordinary educational experience cleverly disguised as a whole lot of fun.

Science Exhibitions

Sep 9, 2025 – May 26, 2026

Tiny Tots

Tiny Tots is a weekly program for toddlers (ages 2 and under) to encourage children’s early science exploration. Tots and grown-ups will use song, movement, art and sensory explorations of different topics in a developmentally appropriate environment.

Feb 27, 2026 – May 24, 2026

Survival of the Slowest

This world class exhibit, produced by Little Ray’s Nature Center and hosted at Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts, will feature habitats with live animals and plants. Visitors will have the chance to see a Two-Toed Sloth, Green Iguana, Chameleon, and dozens of other incredible species!

Permanent Exhibit

Backstage Studio

Funded by The Alexander Grass Foundation, Backstage Studio features fascinating exhibits that reveal the science and technology behind movies, TV, music, and theatre. Create your own stop-action film, put yourself into the movies in the Foley Studio, and explore the creation of different sound effects in this interactive gallery.

Oct 26, 2025 – May 23, 2026

Tech Explorers

In these 2-hour workshops, students will explore a new aspect of technology in each session. Every topic will build problem-solving skills, digital literacy, and creative confidence. Each workshop is hands-on and designed to spark curiosity in young tech learners.

Oct 19, 2025 – Feb 21, 2026

Lego Spike Robotics

Each session introduces a new robotics concept through hands-on exploration and creative problem-solving. Students will dive into the world of robotics by building and programming robots using LEGO® Education SPIKE™, where imagination meets engineering. Unless otherwise noted, LEGO SPIKE will be the primary platform used. Whether students are new to robotics or ready to level up, each workshop offers a fresh opportunity to build, code, and innovate.

All Science Exhibititions

Select Medical Digital Cinema

Select Medical Digital Cinema (formerly IMAX Theater) is a large-format cinema arts theater which primarily focuses on both educational documentaries and Hollywood films and brings it all to life on the largest screen in Central PA!

Showing Until: Dec 31, 2026

Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk 3D

Join environmental advocates Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Wade Davis as they set out with their daughters, traveling deep into the Grand Canyon and down the river that runs through it.

Showing Until: Dec 31, 2026

Flight of the Butterflies

It is a natural history epic. It is a detective story. Join hundreds of millions of real butterflies on an amazing journey to a remote and secret hideaway, and one scientist’s 40-year search to unravel the mystery – where do they go each fall? Experience the Flight of the Butterflies 3D.

Showing Until: Dec 31, 2026

National Parks Adventure 3D

Narrated by Academy Award® winner Robert Redford, National Parks Adventure takes audiences on the ultimate off-trail adventure into the nation’s awe-inspiring great outdoors and untamed wilderness.

Showing Until: Dec 31, 2026

Into America’s Wild 3D

From the Academy Award® nominated producers of the acclaimed hit film National Parks Adventure comes Into America’s Wild, a visually stunning cross-country adventure into the hidden wonders of the natural world.

Showing Until: Dec 31, 2026

T. REX

For over a hundred years dinosaurs have inspired and thrilled audiences, commanding blockbuster status in museums and at the box office. But among them towers a king — a tyrant lizard king. Working with top tyrannosaur scientists, a coalition of natural history institutions, and pioneering paleo and visual effects artists, GSF’s original giant screen production on this iconic dinosaur — and its carnivorous Cretaceous cousins — aims to be the most dazzling and accurate T. rex documentary ever made.

All Movies

Sunoco Performance Theater

This Broadway designed theater is home to almost 700 seats, with an intimate experience for all guests no matter where they sit, and has showcased local and regional talent as well as welcoming performing artists from national and international backgrounds.

Feb 13, 2026

The Breakers

No other Tom Petty tribute band comes close to capturing the SOUND and emotions of Tom’s songs quite like The Breakers. Experience it for yourself when The Breakers play Whitaker Center on Friday, February 13!

Mar 7, 2026

Tupelo Honey

Join Tupelo Honey in celebrating the classic hits of Van Morrison. Experience electrifying performances by talented musicians on Saturday, March 7th, 2026 at 7:30 P.M.

Apr 18, 2026

Amber Ruffin: In Conversation

Emmy-, Tony-, and WGA-nominated comedy writer and performer (Late Night with Seth Meyers, The Amber Ruffin Show, Have I Got News For You) brings a special interview-style evening to Whitaker Center.

Mar 19, 2026

Dancing With the Celts

See the talents of top Irish musicians and Nashville players collaborate for the energetic fusion that is The Celts! This show will take place in Whitaker Centers’ Sunoco Performance Theater on Thursday, March 19, 2026!

Mar 24, 2026

Ladysmith Black Mambazo

The legendary Ladysmith Black Mambazo is gracing the stage at Whitaker Center on Tuesday, March 24, 2026!

All Theater Shows

PNC Innovation Zone

Get connected to the latest technology in the PNC Innovation Zone! In addition to educational programming and purposeful gaming, this zone provides businesses and organizations transformative spaces to create, meet, and connect.

About Innovation Zone

Kids & Schools

Create memories that will last a lifetime! Bring your students to Whitaker Center on a field trip or visit us on the weekend for an educator-led program. Fun and learning for all ages!

Little Learners