Science Central is Fort Wayne’s hands-on science museum, operating inside the 1929 City Light and Power Plant on North Clinton Street, just north of downtown. Since opening on November 5, 1995, this nonprofit has drawn families, school groups, and adults who want to learn science by touching, building, and testing things themselves.
The building’s industrial bones remain visible. A roughly $9 million renovation turned the old plant into a 70,000-square-foot facility with about 32,000 square feet of exhibit space, according to Yelp. Inside, visitors find more than 200 permanent interactive exhibits covering physics, math, and technology. A temporary exhibition changes three times a year, and staff run live demonstrations daily, according to Science Central. The newer planetarium adds sky shows to the visit, and the gift shop stocks educational toys and kits.
Visitor Highlights & Practical Info
Posted prices differ between sources. Visit Fort Wayne lists admission at $15 at the door or $14 online for ages 3 and up, with seniors 65 and older paying $14 at the door or $13 online. Another Visit Fort Wayne page lists lower prices of $12 at the door or $11 online. Children 2 and under get in free, so confirm current rates on the official site before you go. Buying online saves money. The Fort Wayne Adventure Pass also offers a discount, and members of other ASTC-participating museums receive free admission, according to Science Central. During the school year, weekday mornings fill with field trips, so afternoons and weekends tend to be calmer. Check posted demonstration times when you arrive.
