UPMC Science Center
Where Curiosity Meets Hands-On Discovery
The UPMC Science Center at Whitaker Center is a hands-on, interactive environment designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. With rotating exhibits, immersive experiences, and engaging activities for all ages, it’s a place where science isn’t just observed, it’s explored!
Whether you’re visiting with young children, planning a family day out, or looking for an engaging experience that blends fun and learning, the UPMC Science Center offers something new to discover every time you visit.
Explore Our Exhibits
Our exhibits are built to invite guests to touch, test, build, experiment, and imagine. From interactive STEAM experiences to immersive environments that blend science, art, and education, each exhibit encourages exploration through play.
Expect experiences that:
- Encourage hands-on discovery
- Adapt to a wide range of ages and learning styles
- Connect real-world science to everyday life
- Rotate throughout the year, offering something new to explore
Exhibits change regularly—check back often to see what’s currently on display or subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know about the newest wonders of Whitaker!
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Now Featuring:
EXPEDITION DINOSAUR:
Rise of the Mammals
This fascinating exhibit features thrills from life-size animatronic dinosaurs and dino-mite moments to learn something new!
Admission included with your ticket to the UPMC Science Center!
Here’s What’s Up Next:
Winter Glow
This limited-time immersive blacklight exhibit invites you to explore, play, and interact
with light elements in a super cool and fun environment!
Winter Glow,
jump into the Glow Zone.
Survival of the Slowest
We all know the benefits of being the fastest, largest and strongest, but what about the advantages of being the slowest, smallest and weakest? If animals with these traits exist and even thrive-then there must be advantages to them.
Welcome to Survival of the Slowest,
an exploration of counterintuitive adaptations.
Under the Canopy
Travel to the most diverse ecosystem on the planet! This immersive exhibit introduces visitors to the world of the rainforest and the fascinating animals that call these gigantic diverse ecosystems home.
Under the Canopy: Animals of the Rainforest,
step into the rainforest.
Programs & Exhibitions
EXPEDITION DINOSAUR: Rise of the Mammals
Adventure back in time with us — 66 MILLION YEARS INTO THE PAST — to experience the moments before, during and after the extinction event that ended the age of dinosaurs! EXPEDITION DINOSAUR: RISE OF THE MAMMALS opens to the public September 27, and will be at Whitaker Center through January 4!
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.
Junior Labsters
In Junior Labsters, young learners and their grown-ups team up to tackle exciting STEAM challenges and unleash their creativity through hands-on art and science activities. Together, they’ll explore the wonders of the world around us — building, experimenting, and imagining side by side.
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.
Lab Explorers
Curiosity meets creativity in this immersive STEAM experience! These two-hour workshops invite students in grades 3–8 to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math through hands-on challenges rooted in the real world. Whether they’re constructing prototypes, analyzing data, or solving problems, students will leave inspired, empowered, and ready to take on the next challenge.
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.
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.
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.
Little Learners
Little Learners meet September through May, and is designed for children aged 3-6. Sharpen science process skills and experiment, read, explore, sing, and create! Learners will have time for structured weekly themed activities.
Girls in STEAM
Join Whitaker Center for workshops designed for girls in 3rd – 8th grade, with activities that connect with real-world applications of STEAM through design, programming, coding, engineering, and more!
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.
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!
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.
Carnival of Health
Step right up and experience the one and only Carnival of Health at Whitaker Center. More than 2,200 square feet of fun-filled themed entertainment opens your eyes to the wonders of healthy living and the human body.
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.