The Arizona Science Center began life as a community project in 1980 with the aim of providing a hands-on space where visitors can be inspired by all aspects of science through exploration and innovation. Over the years it has expanded and today welcomes half a million visitors of all ages every year.
There are 350 interactive exhibits arranged in seven galleries around the Center, and it’s easy to spend an entire day here. The exhibits aim to be inclusive and educational, as well as inspiring, so visitors of all ages can enjoy and learn from them.
The permanent exhibits include an insight into the workings of the human body, in All About Me, where you can learn about digestion from the inside. The massive “working” stomach simulates sights, sounds and smells. For more cerebral activity, head to the W.O.N.D.E.R. Center to discover how our fascinating brains work and what makes us different from animals.
Get a hands-on introduction to physics and how it affects our daily lives on the Evans Family SkyCycle, where you will face and have to learn to work with the force of gravity. Our planet is the topic of the Forces of Nature gallery—experience the power of a tropical hurricane, hold on tight as an earthquake grips you and marvel at a volcanic eruption.
Head to the IMAX, but don’t expect to sit back and relax as you are taken on a tour of the world, meeting some of our wildest inhabitants in their natural environments. To travel even further, the Planetarium will take you into space and teach you about the solar system and how stars and planets are created.
In addition to these and other permanent exhibits, the Arizona Science Center hosts temporary exhibitions—visit the website for up-to-date information on what’s going on when you visit. There are also daily live demonstrations by the staff, such as Eggceptional Pressure and Great Balls Of Fire. The schedule at the entrance has details of these.
The Arizona Science Center is located in Heritage and Science Park in downtown Phoenix. It is open daily with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas days. Food is available at the Center’s cafeteria.
