Mission Aerospace Lands at Whitaker Center!

Jan 3, 2027

Mission Aerospace

MAKE • FLY • LAUNCH • ASPIRE

September 26th- January 3rd | Gloria M. Olewine Gallery

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.

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.

Mission Aerospace is only at Whitaker Center! Explore more this winter with free science center access, discounts, and exclusive events with a membership!

Price

Included with UPMC Science Center Admission

Audience

All Ages

Language

English

Have Even More Fun…

EXCLUSIVE OFFERING

MEMBER EXCLUSIVE PERK | SEPT 26 | 9 A.M.

Members-Only PJ Party on Opening Day!

Whitaker Center Members get first access to this exhibit on opening day! Bring the whole family in their favorite pajamas and join us for cereal and exhibit exploration!

EXPLORE MEMBERSHIPS

See More Exhibits at Whitaker Center

More Science Exhibits & Events

Permanent Exhibit

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.

Permanent Exhibit

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.

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!

VIEW ALL EXHIBITS

More To Do

Permanent Exhibit

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.

Runs through: 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!

Showing Through: Dec 31, 2026

Astronaut: Ocean to Orbit

Astronaut: Ocean to Orbit explores the ways in which NASA uses underwater environments to simulate life and work in space, offering a fascinating look into the high-tech world of astronauts.

Showing Through: 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.

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.

All Science Exhibititions All Theater Shows All Movies Special Events