Pacific Science Center is a hands-on science museum at 200 2nd Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, on the southwest edge of the Seattle Center campus in Lower Queen Anne. It was born as the United States Science Pavilion at the 1962 World’s Fair. Minoru Yamasaki designed the complex, with its white Gothic-inspired arches rising above reflecting pools. Families, students and science fans come for rotating exhibits, a tropical butterfly house, a planetarium, laser shows and two IMAX theaters.
What to Expect at Pacific Science Center
Five interconnected buildings surround a central courtyard where the landmark arches tower over shallow pools. Inside, galleries mix long-running favorites with traveling shows. The Tropical Butterfly House keeps a warm, humid garden filled with free-flying butterflies. Dinosaurs: A Journey Through Time features moving animatronic models. Other areas include a saltwater tide pool, a hands-on space and health science zone, and Wellbody Academy.
Special exhibits change regularly. Mysteries From The Deep: Exploring Underwater Archaeology explores shipwrecks and submerged landscapes and is included in general admission. General admission also covers unlimited Planetarium shows and daytime laser shows, though both require free timed tickets. The Laser Dome runs music-themed evening shows, such as Laser Taylor Swift, which are ticketed separately. The Boeing IMAX Theater and the PACCAR IMAX Theater screen documentaries and feature films.
- Tropical Butterfly House: A climate-controlled garden with hundreds of free-flying butterflies.
- Yamasaki Arches: The landmark 1962 courtyard arches, open to the public from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Planetarium: Limited-capacity star shows that often sell out.
- Laser Dome: Daytime laser shows plus music-themed evening shows.
- IMAX Theaters: Two large-format screens for documentaries and blockbusters.
Pacific Science Center at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 200 2nd Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Seattle Center, Lower Queen Anne |
| Operating Hours | Wed–Sun 10AM–5PM; closed Mon–Tue; courtyard open 7AM–11PM |
| Admission / Price Range | Paid ($$); Planetarium and daytime laser shows included; IMAX and evening laser shows extra |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 3 to 4 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Seattle Center Monorail from Westlake Center; King County Metro buses on Denny Way; nearby paid garages |
| Official Website & Phone | pacificsciencecenter.org · +1 206-443-2001 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Buy tickets online and arrive at the 10 a.m. opening. Reserve Planetarium seats right away, since shows sell out quickly. Weekday mornings during the school year can be busy with field trips, so plan to see the butterfly house first. The Denny Way entrance is currently closed, so use the 2nd Ave N side. The Seattle Center Monorail runs from Westlake Center downtown in about two minutes. Paid parking is available in Seattle Center garages, including the 5th Ave N garage.
The galleries are largely step-free and stroller-friendly, with ramps and elevators between levels and benches in the courtyard. Check the official visit page for accessibility services. After your visit, the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass are about a 5-minute walk away. Museum of Pop Culture and the International Fountain are close by, and restaurants line Queen Anne Ave N.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Pacific Science Center open?
The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed Monday and Tuesday. Opening time is the quietest window.
What does a ticket include?
General admission covers the exhibits, unlimited Planetarium shows and daytime laser shows, which require free timed tickets. IMAX films and evening laser shows cost extra. Check the official website for current prices.
How long should I plan to stay?
Plan for three to four hours. Add time if you want to see an IMAX film or a planetarium show.
Is it good for kids and wheelchair users?
Yes. The exhibits are designed for all ages, and the galleries are step-free with elevator access.
When planning your Seattle travel guide or comparing verified attractions and museums in Seattle, pair this stop with standout local spots including Seattle Art Museum, Din Tai Fung, El Borracho Pike Place Market, and Seattle Center (0.1 km away).
