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Learn More!Explore Whitaker Center for Science & the Arts
Located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts is Central Pennsylvania’s premier center for education and cultural enrichment. Whitaker Center is a thought leader in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) engagement for all ages and backgrounds. We believe that by investing our resources in educating, entertaining, and engaging visitors, we can spark a movement that makes our community a better place to live, work, and play. Composed of four main venues – UPMC Science Center (formerly Harsco Science Center), PNC Innovation Zone, Sunoco Performance Theater, and Select Medical Digital Cinema Theater, Whitaker Center has something for everyone as a destination of choice.
UPMC Science Center
Fascinating exhibits about Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math all combine to make a visit to the UPMC Science Center an extraordinary educational experience cleverly disguised as a whole lot of fun.
EXPEDITION DINOSAUR: Rise of the Mammals
Adventure back in time with us — 66 MILLION YEARS INTO THE PAST — to experience the moments before, during and after the extinction event that ended the age of dinosaurs! EXPEDITION DINOSAUR: RISE OF THE MAMMALS opens to the public September 27, and will be at Whitaker Center through January 4!
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.
Junior Labsters
In Junior Labsters, young learners and their grown-ups team up to tackle exciting STEAM challenges and unleash their creativity through hands-on art and science activities. Together, they’ll explore the wonders of the world around us — building, experimenting, and imagining side by side.
Lego Spike Robotics
Each session introduces a new robotics concept through hands-on exploration and creative problem-solving. Students will dive into the world of robotics by building and programming robots using LEGO® Education SPIKE™, where imagination meets engineering. Unless otherwise noted, LEGO SPIKE will be the primary platform used. Whether students are new to robotics or ready to level up, each workshop offers a fresh opportunity to build, code, and innovate.
Tech Explorers
In these 2-hour workshops, students will explore a new aspect of technology in each session. Every topic will build problem-solving skills, digital literacy, and creative confidence. Each workshop is hands-on and designed to spark curiosity in young tech learners.
Select Medical Digital Cinema
Select Medical Digital Cinema (formerly IMAX Theater) is a large-format cinema arts theater which primarily focuses on both educational documentaries and Hollywood films and brings it all to life on the largest screen in Central PA!
Wings Over Water
Wings Over Water tells the story of the epic journeys of three amazing bird families – the Sandhill Crane, the Yellow Warbler and the Mallard Duck – with extraordinary footage of their fascinating behaviors.
Expedition Chesapeake, A Journey of Discovery
Expedition Chesapeake, A Journey of Discovery is the first giant-screen film to capture the stunning natural beauty of the largest estuary in North America.
Lewis & Clark: Great Journey West
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.
Forces of Nature
Forces of Nature will showcase the awesome spectacle of earthquakes, volcanoes, and severe storms as we follow scientists on their groundbreaking quests to understand how these natural disasters are triggered.
National Parks Adventure 3D
Narrated by Academy Award® winner Robert Redford, National Parks Adventure takes audiences on the ultimate off-trail adventure into the nation’s awe-inspiring great outdoors and untamed wilderness.
Sunoco Performance Theater
This Broadway designed theater is home to almost 700 seats, with an intimate experience for all guests no matter where they sit, and has showcased local and regional talent as well as welcoming performing artists from national and international backgrounds.
The Breakers
No other Tom Petty tribute band comes close to capturing the SOUND and emotions of Tom’s songs quite like The Breakers. Experience it for yourself when The Breakers play Whitaker Center on Friday, February 13!
Gary Gulman: Misfit Stand Up Tour
Over 25 years in comedy, Gary Gulman has established himself as an eminent performer and peerless writer, and he’s bringing that signature wit to the stage at Whitaker Center on Friday, March 20!
Dancing With the Celts
See the talents of top Irish musicians and Nashville players collaborate for the energetic fusion that is The Celts! This show will take place in Whitaker Centers’ Sunoco Performance Theater on Thursday, March 19, 2026!
Tupelo Honey
Join Tupelo Honey in celebrating the classic hits of Van Morrison. Experience electrifying performances by talented musicians on Saturday, March 7th, 2026 at 7:30 P.M.
The Nutcracker
Let the Holiday Magic Come to Life! Whether a holiday tradition or a first-time discovery, The Nutcracker® is an annual gift every family will want to be part of! Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet has been hosting a Nutcracker performance yearly since 1965. Shortly after starting, CPYB became the only school in the world with the license to perform George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®.
PNC Innovation Zone
Get connected to the latest technology in the PNC Innovation Zone! In addition to educational programming and purposeful gaming, this zone provides businesses and organizations transformative spaces to create, meet, and connect.
Kids & Schools
Create memories that will last a lifetime! Bring your students to Whitaker Center on a field trip or visit us on the weekend for an educator-led program. Fun and learning for all ages!