Engage your curiosity
Discover over 250 interactive science exhibits to engage your curiosity and explore the world around you.
Exhibits & Animals
Experience hands-on learning with our interactive exhibits! Engage with reptiles and fish in the Animal Room, learn about weather patterns in the Energy Gallery, and explore engineering in the Build Space.
Ocean Bound
What can YOU do in your watershed to protect our ocean? Find out in Ocean Bound!
Upcoming Activities
Science Together: Kinetic Sand
Explore the different properties of kinetic sand! Science Together activities are designed for ages 0-4.
May 7 @ 3:30 pm - 4:00 pmMath Fun with MathHappens!
Join us for playful, informal math exploration with the MathHappens Foundation! Discover the “M” in STEM through hands-on models and engaging learning experiences.
May 9 @ 11:00 am - 3:00 pmScience Connections: BeeBots Workshop
Join us to help our BeeBots find their way back to the hive! Together, we'll learn to code these awesome robots and practice the skills it takes to be a computer scientist.
May 10 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
What’s New @ Sciencenter
Bridges to Bioengineering: How Graduate Students and Museums Bring a Science Exhibit to Life for Young Learners
Bridges to Bioengineering will be a 1,500 square-foot bilingual (Spanish/English) traveling exhibition with supporting activities that foster an understanding of biomedical engineering (BME) and the innovative ways that it is used to address issues in medicine and public health. This unique co-development approach immerses Sciencenter staff in BME content while…
Honoring Charlie Trautmann with ASTC Leading Edge Award
The Sciencenter congratulates founding director, Charlie Trautmann as the recipient of the 2025 Roy L. Shafer Leading Edge Award, presented at the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) Annual Conference. The Sciencenter was proud to nominate Charlie for this honor.
Sciencenter Receives Highest National Museum Recognition
The Sciencenter is proud to announce that it has again achieved accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the highest national recognition afforded to the nation’s museums. Accreditation signifies excellence to the museum community, to governments, funders, outside agencies, and to the museum-going public.
Sciencenter Receives Racker’s 2025 Community Partner Award
We’re honored to share that the Sciencenter has been awarded Racker’s 2025 Community Partner Award, recognizing our ongoing commitment to inclusion, collaboration, and creating joyful, barrier-free experiences for all visitors.
Sciencenter Hit By Federal Grant Termination
The Sciencenter was notified on April 10th, 2025, that two federally awarded grants from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), totaling nearly $500,000, have been terminated.
Honoring Our Friend Julian Pompilio
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Julian Pompilio, an Exhibit Fabricator who worked with us for the past 10 years. Through his curiosity, playfulness, and knowledge he brought immense joy to the Sciencenter community.
The Ithaca Voice
Sciencenter receives big funding boosts from state awards to replace the building’s HVAC with a new heating and cooling system.
Challenging Our Assumptions: Front-End Evaluation for Biomedical Engineering Exhibition
When you hear "biomedical engineering," what comes to mind? This question led recent interviews by graduate students from Cornell’s Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering and a professional evaluator, who spoke with families in Ithaca, NY, and Missoula, MT, to help shape the Sciencenter’s upcoming Bridges to Bioengineering exhibit.
Honoring the Legacy of Debbie Levin
With deep affection and profound gratitude, we remember our beloved co-founder, Debbie Levin, who passed away on October 5, 2024, just shy of her 102nd birthday in November.
Science for All
The Sciencenter is committed to creating a welcoming environment that embraces our diverse visitors. Through several access programs, we reduce barriers so that everyone can experience the joy of the Sciencenter.
Fresh From Instagram
Q: How do snakes hold poison?
A: Colin says… trick question. Snakes aren’t poisonous!
Some snakes are venomous, which is different. Poison makes you sick if you eat it, while venom hurts you if it’s injected. Venomous snakes store venom in special glands at the back of their heads and deliver it through specialized teeth.
Curious about our animals? Ask Colin, our expert Animal Keeper! 👇
Don’t miss 10% off memberships. Only a few days left! If you’ve been thinking about it, this is your moment.
Join today with code: MAYMEMBER10, link in bio! 🌸
Valid only for new memberships and renewals within the month they expire. If your membership expires in June or later, this discount does not apply.
