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:
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.
What’s Up Next:
Mission Aerospace
Mission Aerospace is a love letter to the sky and all the cool things that y though it. Kids will learn about the history of rockets and ight, including everything from early airplanes and jet ghters to Mars rovers and space shuttles.
An Ah-MAZE-ing Adventure!
Programs & Exhibitions
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!
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 get your weekend started with geckos. Featuring a cash Beer & Wine Bar. Please note, this event is 21+.
Under The Canopy
Don’t miss Under The Canopy, an exciting exhibit featuring rainforest animals, live plants, and engaging presentations at Whitaker Center!
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.