Whitaker Center for Science & the Arts

Welcome to Whitaker Center

Plan Your Visit

NEW EXHIBIT COMING SOON: Mazes & Brain Games!

Sneak Peek Here

The Art of Science Annual Benefit, coming September 20!

Tickets on Sale June 9!

2025 Whitaker Summer Camps: Now Available!

Learn More

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.

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

Permanent Exhibit

Forces of Nature Exhibit

Through compelling stories of natural forces and environmental change, Forces of Nature is both an exciting thematic area and a relevant science topic that affects everyone’s daily life. The permanent gallery provides guests with the opportunity to experience a variety of extraordinary weather wonders featuring physical “phenomenon-based” exhibits.

EXPLORE

Jun 7, 2025 – Sep 7, 2025

Mazes & Brain Games

Prepare to be A-MAZE-D! Maneuver your way through this mind boggling collection of mind-bending adventures, 3-D puzzles and full-body games – an unforgettable adventure that’s sure to challenge, entertain and amaze visitors of all ages.

INFO & TICKETS

Permanent Exhibit

KidsPlace

A destination for the youngest explorers! Designed with a cityscape theme this gallery includes a life-sized Operation Game, X-Ray Table, Pin Ball Falls, and much more.

EXPLORE

Jun 14, 2025

Teacher Open House

Please join us for a Teacher Open House at Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts, where you’ll get an exclusive look at our hands-on learning experiences, field trip opportunities, and educational programs designed to inspire students of all ages. Teachers receive complimentary entry to the Science Center with registration and a school ID.

INFO & TICKETS

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.

EXPLORE

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!

Showtimes

Jul 21, 2021 – Dec 31, 2025

Expedition Chesapeake, A Journey of Discovery

Expedition Chesapeake, A Journey of Discovery is the first giant-screen film to capture the stunning natural beauty of the largest estuary in North America.

INFO & TICKETS

Dec 31, 2025

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.

INFO & TICKETS

Dec 31, 2025

Wings Over Water

Wings Over Water tells the story of the epic journeys of three amazing bird families – the Sandhill Crane, the Yellow Warbler and the Mallard Duck – with extraordinary footage of their fascinating behaviors.

INFO & TICKETS

Dec 31, 2025

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.

INFO & TICKETS

Dec 31, 2025

Astronaut: Ocean to Orbit

Astronaut: Ocean to Orbit explores the ways in which NASA uses underwater environments to simulate life and work in space, offering a fascinating look into the high-tech world of astronauts.

INFO & TICKETS

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.

Upcoming Shows

Nov 26, 2025

The Machine performs Pink Floyd

Join us at Whitaker Center on November 26, 2025, for an unforgettable night with The Machine, the acclaimed Pink Floyd tribute band that has been extending the legendary group’s musical legacy for over 30 years.

INFO & TICKETS

Aug 2, 2025

Michael Carbonaro: “Lies On Stage”

See Michael Carbonaro’s magic come to life on stage at Sunoco Performance Theater on Saturday, August 2! Best known as the star and executive producer of the hit series, THE CARBONARO EFFECT on truTV, Carbonaro has also made frequent television appearances in shows such as Happily Divorced, 30 Rock, Grey’s Anatomy, and CSI Miami. A performing magician since his youth, Carbonaro went on to study experimental theater at New York University with aspirations of entertaining audiences through a variety of theatrical mediums, including hidden-camera magic, which he later showcased frequently on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

INFO & TICKETS

Jun 29, 2025

Girls Night The Musical

See the Off-Broadway sensation that audiences can’t get enough of from coast to coast! Share the fun and laughter in this hilarious, feel-good comedy as five girlfriends re-live their past, celebrate their present, and look to the future on a wild night out! Featuring the most famous female empowerment hits of the last four decades including “Lady Marmalade,” “It’s Raining Men,” “Man I Feel Like A Woman,” “I Will Survive,” and many more.

INFO & TICKETS

Oct 3, 2025

Taste of Ireland

“A Taste of Ireland” arrives at Whitaker Center on October 3, 2025! After premiering Off-Broadway last season, “A Taste of Ireland ― The Irish Music & Dance Sensation” returns to stages across the USA in 2025, performing the show that has entertained thousands around the globe. Laugh, cry and jig into the night with a production that is Celtic, for this generation.

INFO & TICKETS

Sep 28, 2025

Late Nite Catechism

“Step back into your youth with Late Nite Catechism – a hilarious theatrical experience like no other! Join the irrepressible Sister as she leads her class through a riotous journey of laughter and nostalgia. From glow-in-the-dark rosaries to cheeky antics, every moment is packed with fun and surprises. Whether you’re a model student or a bit mischievous, Sister’s classroom is where you’ll want to be. Don’t miss out on the interactive theater event that The New York Times hails as ‘full of laughs’ – Late Nite Catechism awaits!”

INFO & TICKETS

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!