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Explore Our ProgramsExplore 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.
Kids Place
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.
Sensory Saturdays
During Sensory Saturdays, exhibit lights and sound effects are adjusted, and additional hands-on activities are included to foster a safe, welcoming, and most importantly — FUN — environment for all visitors.
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.
Scout Sundays at Whitaker
Whitaker Center offers exciting, hands-on Scout Workshops designed to help participants earn badges while exploring science, technology, engineering, and more. From robotics and coding to engineering challenges and design thinking, each workshop is tailored to meet badge requirements in a fun and interactive way. Scouts can register with their troop or as individuals, and every participant will leave with their earned badge(s) to proudly add to their vest or sash.
STEM Design Studios
Get hands-on with different STEM topics. These engaging activities will allow parents and kids to explore STEM topics together, learning as a team. Enjoy activities and design challenges with Ozobots™ , Spheros™, 3Doodler™ 3D printing pens, tangrams, K’NEX® and much more!
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!
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.
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.
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.
Tornado Alley 3D
Tornado Alley is a giant-screen adventure that takes viewers on an epic chase through the “severe weather capital of the world.”
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.
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.
Puppy Pals Live!
Puppy Pals Live, the Action-Packed Comedic Stunt Dog Show, hits the stage at Whitaker Center on Wednesday, April 22!
Gary Gulman: Misfit Stand Up Tour
Over 25 years in comedy, Gary Gulman has established himself as an eminent performer and peerless writer, and he’s bringing that signature wit to the stage at Whitaker Center on Friday, March 20!
Lue Elizondo – Persona Non Grata (Live Tour)
Attend Lue Elizondo’s show for exclusive insights and discussions on UAPs, defense, and intelligence from top experts.
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!
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.
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.
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!