Sciencenter, Ithaca

The Sciencenter in Ithaca is a hands-on science museum dedicated to fostering curiosity, confidence, and critical thinking across all age groups. Established in 1983 as a non-profit educational organization, it evolved from a volunteer-led school science program into a nationally recognized institution.

The museum's origins trace back to the vision of Debbie Levin and Ilma Levine, who expanded their elementary school Science Discovery Room Program into a full-fledged community initiative. The first Sciencenter exhibitions were held in donated spaces across downtown Ithaca before the organization moved into its permanent home, built through a large-scale community-driven construction project led by architect Bob Leathers.

Today, the Sciencenter offers 250+ interactive exhibits, an outdoor science playground, an animal room, a Tidepool Touch Tank with live marine animals, and a mini-golf course designed around scientific principles. Its Sagan Planet Walk, an outdoor scale model of the solar system named after Carl Sagan, extends 1,200 meters from downtown Ithaca to the museum, featuring an audio tour narrated by Bill Nye.

Beyond its physical exhibits, the Sciencenter is a leader in traveling science exhibitions, having launched multiple nationwide tours funded by grants from organizations such as the National Science Foundation (NSF) and NASA. Its first NSF-funded traveling exhibit, FUN, 2, 3, 4: All About several Things!, remains a notable example of its contributions to informal science education.

With a strong commitment to community engagement, educational programs, and interactive learning, the Sciencenter continues to inspire visitors with an ever-expanding array of exhibits, outreach initiatives, and hands-on experiences.