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!
Subscribe to Whitaker Center
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 fly through it. Explorers will learn about the history of rockets and flight, including everything from early airplanes and jet fighters to Mars rovers and space shuttles.
An Ah-MAZE-ing Adventure!
Programs & Exhibitions
Under The Canopy
Don’t miss Under The Canopy, an exciting exhibit featuring rainforest animals, live plants, and engaging presentations at Whitaker Center!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
LEGO SPIKE Robotics
Junior engineers dive into the world of robotics by building and programming robots using LEGO® Education SPIKE™. Whether they’re new to robotics or simply ready to level up, each workshop offers a fresh opportunity to build, code, and innovate.
Little Learners
Little Learners ages 3-5 meet Wednesdays, September through May. Sharpen science process skills and experiment, read, explore, sing, and create!
Scout Sundays
Scout Sundays offers exciting, hands-on workshops designed 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 earned badge(s) for their vest or sash.
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.
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!