A Bridge To The Future.
St. Louis is part of our DNA. For three decades our supporters have helped advance science education for families and school groups, children and seniors, underserved communities and more.
Delivering unique experiential STEAM education is at the core of what we do at the Science Center, and your support means making that possible for decades (and generations) to come.
“To ignite and sustain lifelong science and technology learning.”
That’s the nonprofit mission guiding everything we do at the Saint Louis Science Center—and everything you make possible. Our team combines education
and immersive experiences to build stronger bonds between science, our community and our world.
Your support powers lightbulb moments for everyone.
We are the Saint Louis Science Center.
If you’d like to show support for our mission, you can help STEAM education in St. Louis by making a gift to the Science Center’s Annual Fund at slsc.org/donate.
We Are The
Saint Louis Science Center
ONE BUILDING.
Celebrating 30 years.
The Saint Louis Science Center has a rich history of creating innovative learning environments that spark the imaginations of young and old alike.
As we look to the coming years to ignite the minds of future generations, we remember our past and celebrate the inventions and discoveries that inspire our exhibits, experiences and programs.
For 30 years, the 5050 Oakland Building has been open to everyone in our community and beyond. Access to science learning enables dreamers to see themselves as the scientists and innovators of tomorrow.
Whether dinosaurs sparked your curiosity or an OMNIMAX® Theater film piqued your interest in space or the Earth, we thank you for being the thought leaders, the question-askers and the truth seekers.
You have propelled the Saint Louis Science Center forward and have made a huge footprint in the St. Louis science community.
Our 30-Year Journey
A timeline of innovations & transformations
START HERE!
NOVEMBER 2, 1991
The 5050 Oakland Building Expansion
The Science Center opened with these educational areas that are still here today:
ECOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT GALLERY
The T.rex was the largest animatronic dinosaur in North America when the 5050 Oakland Building originally opened and was one of the most anticipated exhibits by guests.
BRIDGE
When the bridge was installed, the interstate had to close. It happened over an entire weekend and staff members had a watch party on a hill to see the three sections of the bridge be put into place.
OMNIMAX® THEATER
Created as an immersive and educational movie-watching experience for visitors, this dome-shaped IMAX screen was almost unheard of at the time. The first film to be shown in the theater was To The Limit.
STRUCTURES GALLERY
By far, the Catenary Arch is the most popular activity in the Structures Gallery—meant to showcase the St. Louis Gateway Arch. The exhibit teaches visitors that arches can be made with all different shapes by using compression forces, each block pushing on the blocks around it.
DISCOVERY ROOM
Originally located on the lower level of the Planetarium, the Discovery Room moved to the 5050 Oakland Building in the Lower Level where the Dino Den currently is. In 2004, it moved to its current location on the 2nd floor.
