Additional Opening Day Gives Guests Even More Access to Hands-On STEM Experiences and WOW Moments
ST. LOUIS, MO – May 14, 2026 – Thousands of times each week, guests at the Saint Louis Science Center experience the spark of curiosity that STEM powers. Effective June 3, the Science Center will add an additional day to its operating schedule, opening from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesdays this summer.
“By opening and additional day of the week, we’re able to extend our mission to inspire curiosity and engagement in science even further,” Science Center President and CEO Dr. Ray Vandiver said. “Adding this sixth day of operation gives our team a greater opportunity to deliver the outstanding experiences and informal science learning that our guests expect from the Science Center. We’re pleased that we’ve continued to see year-over-year attendance growth since the end of the pandemic and earn high satisfaction ratings from those exploring the Science Center. By adding this additional day of operation, we hope to make an even greater impact on our guests and on the St. Louis community as a whole”
With this addition, the Science Center will be closed on Tuesdays only during the week.
WHAT’S TO COME?
One of the nation’s only free-to-enter, nonprofit science museums, the Science Center offers hundreds of interactive, hands-on experiences across ten galleries. The award-winning institution provides a diverse range of STEM-based program activities, covering classic favorites and emerging fields – such as paleontology, agriculture, space exploration, architecture, health sciences, gaming, engineering and more. Among the exciting experiences offered this spring and summer include:
- A new traveling exhibition, The Blue Whale Story, that uses real artifacts, hands-on interactives, games and life-sized models to guide guests through a blue whale’s life, evolution and impact on the surrounding ocean. This exhibition runs May 23 through January 2027.
- Stunning documentaries and blockbuster feature films (including The Mandalorian and Grogu that opens May 22) in the five-story OMNIMAX® Theater, one of the only IMAX® Dome with a Laser theaters in the world.
- A technology upgrade to the James S. McDonnell Planetarium, creating the largest and most advanced hybrid planetarium in the United States.
- A celebration of the 10th anniversary of the GROW gallery, one of the largest museum galleries in the nation devoted solely to agriculture and the “farm to table” concept.
- Several special programs offer one-on-one interaction with the area’s leading STEM professionals to gain a greater understanding of the importance of science on our lives.
- SciFest: The Great Outdoors Expo on May 30 celebrates what’s happening in nature (on the ground, in the skies and in the waters) around our region.
- Planetarium Star Parties on the First Friday of each month, except July, offer free telescope viewings on the stars, planets and other heavenly objects — with expert operators on hand to answer questions and guide observations. The next event on June 5 will highlight Mercury, Venus and Jupiter in the evening sky (event is weather permitting).
- Science Center Up Late: Experience Sound reminds us that grownups have an important role in growing science. Exclusively for ages 21 and up, this after-hours event on July 25 will explore the STEM in sound, from music to nature.
For more information on programs and events at the Science Center, please visit slsc.org or call 314-289-4400.
MEMBERS GET MORE
Membership is the best way to enjoy the Science Center because members receive benefits that last throughout the year. These contributions help the Science Center team generate “A-Ha moments” and innovative opportunities that connect a curiosity with science and technology. Members receive these benefits:
- Free daily tickets to OMNIMAX films, Planetarium shows and the Discovery Room.
- Free parking for every visit.
- First access to obtaining tickets to films, exhibitions and other events.
- Discounts on ticketed attractions (including traveling exhibitions), VR attractions, and the Summer STEM Explorers camp, as well as a 10 percent discount on food, drink and gift shop purchases inside the Science Center.
- Invitations to member-only events throughout the year.
- A subscription to the quarterly NewScience magazine, delivered in printed and digital versions.
- Special exclusive member gifts.
- Opportunities for free or discounted admission or programming at nearly 300 Association of Science-Technology Centers around the world.
- Additional benefits offered based upon membership level.
Membership packages start at $75 and can be purchased individually, gifted to others or donated within the community. To become a Science Center member, visit the box offices at the Science Center entrances or call the membership team at 314-289-4414.
Contact:
Doug Bolnick, Public Relations Manager
314.289.4461
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