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

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.

Runs through: Aug 31, 2026

Sloth Encounters

Meet one of the most charming animals at Whitaker Center in a guided 30-minute Sloth Encounter designed for small groups. This member-exclusive experience gives guests (up to 6 per group) the chance to get closer, learn more, and enjoy an unforgettable moment with support from the Animal Care Team at Whitaker!

Aug 21, 2026

Adults Night Out

Why should kids have all the fun?! Dive into the wonders of the Whitaker Center and explore interactive exhibits, including our traveling exhibit – Under The Canopy! Drink beer with boas, sip sodas with sloths, and giggle with geckos. Featuring a cash bar. Please note: This event is 21+.

Jun 13, 2026 – Aug 31, 2026

Under The Canopy

Don’t miss Under The Canopy, an exciting exhibit featuring rainforest animals, live plants, and engaging presentations at Whitaker Center!

Sep 26, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027

Mission Aerospace Lands at Whitaker Center!

Explore this interactive maze to learn about the history of flight, navigation, and NASA’s vision for the future. Experiment with thrust, lift, control surfaces, and gyroscopes. Build rockets and paper airplanes, then test them for distance and air-dexterity.

All Science Exhibititions

Select Medical Digital Cinema

Select Medical Digital Cinema (formerly IMAX Theater) is a large-format cinema arts theater that primarily focuses on bringing educational documentaries to life on the largest screen in Central PA!

Showing Until: Dec 31, 2026

Journey to Space 3D

In the past half century, humans have punched through the stratosphere, walked on the moon, and lived continuously in orbit. In the coming decades, our unquenchable curiosity will take our species beyond the cradle of Earth to touch the face of another world.

Showing Until: Dec 31, 2026

Super Human Body: World of Medical Marvels

Super Human Body: World of Medical Marvels combines state-of-the-art CGI and live-action cinematography to explore the inner workings of our bodies and show how science and technology can help us intervene, and even save lives, when our bodies fail us.

Showing Until: Dec 31, 2026

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.

Showing Until: Dec 31, 2026

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.

Showing Until: Dec 31, 2026

Lewis & Clark: Great Journey West

The film chronicles a group of explorers – the Corps of Discovery – led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark into uncharted territory to find a water passageway to the Pacific Ocean and describe for science the wonders of the West.

All Movies

Sunoco Performance Theater

This Broadway-designed theater seats almost 700, offering an intimate experience for all guests, no matter where they sit! Often featuring local and regional talent as well as welcoming performing artists from national and international backgrounds.

Sep 19, 2026

The Magic of Motown

Journey through Motown’s best including: The Temptations, The Jackson Five, Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Four Tops, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, and more!

Sep 22, 2026

Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: In Concert

Relive the magic of Labyrinth with a special 40th anniversary event featuring the film with a live musical score on September 22, 2026!

Oct 28, 2026

Glenn Miller Orchestra

Experience the Glenn Miller Orchestra today, performing beloved hits and modern selections in the unforgettable Miller style.

Sep 26, 2026

Members-Only Opening of Mission Aerospace

Join the Mission Aerospace Members-Only Opening for exclusive early access and fun activities at the UPMC Science Center; all while wearing your PJs!

Nov 4, 2026

The Robert Cray Band is Bringing the Blues to Central PA!

The Robert Cray Band brings the blues and soulful vocals of the All Amped Up Tour to Whitaker Center in Harrisburg, PA!

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