UPMC SCIENCE CENTER
Exhibits & Experiences
COMING THIS MONTH
SEPTEMBER 26 – JANUARY 3
Mission Aerospace
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.
— produced by Minotaur Mazes
Sponsored by
EXCLUSIVE EVENT
MEMBER EXCLUSIVE PERK | SEPT 26 | 9 A.M.
Members-Only PJ Event
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!
PERMANENT
UPMC SCIENCE CENTER
Permanent Science Exhibits
Dozens of interactive exhibits spanning physics, biology, earth science, and the human body —all exhibits included with general admission.
SUNOCO PERFORMANCE THEATER
Live Shows & Concerts
FRI | SEPT 18
The Wooten Brothers
Sonically inventive, soulful, musically driven, blood kin, that fill the dance floor, tickle the brain, and rock your world– they are comparable to the best of the best family bands.
TUES | SEPT 22
Jim Henson’s Labyrinth:
In Concert
The magic dance continues. On the heels of a successful global tour to nearly 100 cities, Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: In Concert returns in fall 2026.
THURS | OCT 15
Fraggle Rock:
Back to the Rock Live
Experience the magic of Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock as the Fraggles embark on an adventure to restore the legendary Celebration Stone.
Subscribe to get dibs on the best seats in the house!
SELECT MEDICAL DIGITAL CINEMA
Now Showing
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.
The film chronicles a group of explorers — the Corps of Discovery — led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark into uncharted territory to find a water passageway to the Pacific Ocean and describe for science the wonders of the West.
For over a hundred years, dinosaurs have inspired and thrilled audiences, commanding blockbuster status in museums and at the box office. But among them towers a king — a tyrant lizard king: T. REX.
3 of 18 | See All Films and Showtimes
FOR FAMILIES
Kids & Family Programs
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!
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.
DON’T MISS IT
Special Events This Month
FREE EVENT
SATURDAY | OCTOBER 10 | 10 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.
Space Day 2026
Celebrate World Space Week at Whitaker Center! Explore Mission Aerospace, immerse yourself in the StarLab mobile planetarium, watch a cool film, and hear a speech from Astronaut Bob Hines!
Entry to Space Day 2026 is included with Whitaker Center Memberships! No need to RSVP; your spot is already saved. Just show your membership card at entry, and our staff will take it from there!
SPECIAL SHOWING
SEPTEMBER 3 – 7 | 2 P.M.
See The Full Hunger Games Series
We’re showing all of the films in The Hunger Games series in our huge digital cinema. Whether you’re Team Peeta, Team Gale, Team Johanna’s axe, or you’re simply here for Effie’s outfits and emotional damage, this is your chance to experience the rebellion on the biggest screen in Central PA.
BIRTHDAY PARTIES
BOOK YOURS TODAY
Host Your Birthday at Whitaker!
Make it a birthday they’ll never forget. Private party packages available in the Science Center — unforgettable for kids of all ages.
FOR EDUCATORS
Schools & Field Trips
Field Trips
Bring your class to Whitaker for a curriculum-aligned, hands-on science adventure. Grades K–12 welcome.
Surgery Live!
Students watch a live surgery streamed directly into the Science Center — an unforgettable real-world STEM experience.
Whitaker On Wheels
We come to you! Our WOW mobile brings STEM programming directly into classrooms and community spaces.
STEM Scholarships
Financial support available for schools and students to access Whitaker’s programs and Science Center.
READY TO VISIT?
Plan Your Visit
Tickets & Admission
Flexible ticket options for the Science Center, Digital Cinema, and Performance Theater.
Memberships
Unlimited visits, discounts on shows, and priority access. Most memberships pay for themselves in just two visits.
Directions & Parking
222 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101. Located in the heart of downtown with convenient nearby parking.
Gift Cards
Give the gift of discovery. Whitaker gift cards are perfect for any occasion: birthdays, holidays, or just because.