Kirby Science Discovery Center

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New Exhibit Gallery!
Starting Line: Fit for Life! Ever wonder what it takes to be the best of the best as an athlete? Or maybe you’ve just wondered what it takes to get and stay in shape? You can now find out in our exciting new exhibit opening! “Starting Line: Fit for Life” is a new science exhibit gallery where you can test your skills as a mountain climber, wheelchair racer, soccer goalie or even a top-notch baseball pitcher. The newest gallery, sponsored by the Avera Sport Institute, inhabits the fourth floor of the science center.

Directions and maps | Hours and rates

View the Magic Planet—a digital display with a sphere-shaped screen that shows the Earth in exciting and active ways. The animations shown on this captivating new exhibit created by EROS Data Center allow visitors to observe a global view of images of Earth returned from orbiting satellites as well as images of other planets and the sun. See the effects of a tsunami wave on Earth’s oceans or the movements of Jupiter’s clouds, among other fascinating animated imagery.

First Free Friday
Join us at the Pavilion from 5 to 8 p.m. on the first Friday of each month for FREE admission to the Kirby Science Discovery Center.

Pavilion Wellness Festival
Saturday, April 25, 2009. This family-friendly event includes a 5K Run, 1 and 2 mile Walk and a Wellness Fair featuring free health testing and screenings, demonstrations and information. Learn more here.

About the Discovery Center

The Kirby Science Discovery Center is the premier regional hands-on science experience! Fly the space shuttle, dig up a dinosaur or touch a tornado in our three floors of adventure.

New Exhibits
The science center features exciting traveling exhibits during the school year. Check the top of this page for any current or upcoming exhibits. Air and Space
Launch a working hot air balloon, fly the space shuttle, wear a space suit and more! And now try these exciting new exhibits: navigate a Mars Rover, fly the virtual hang glider, master the Hover Race tilty table, see how sci-fi sometimes affects science fact and more! Learn more here.

The Stairway of Sound is a fun,interactive exhibit featuring a different sound for 21 steps on the south stairway connecting 3rd and 4th floor. Which sounds can you identify? Pavilion staff worked with SDSU engineering students to develop this unique exhibit.

Big Sioux River Banks
Children 6 and younger can play in the flowing stream with dams, boats and waterwheels or pretend to be pioneer storekeepers or Native American farmers. Kids can also take a trip through our indoor slide as they learn about the weather water cycle.

Light, Sound Action!
Freeze your shadow. Play with lasers. Bend light and generate electricity!

Nature Works
How do owls hear, bats navigate or insects hear? Find out in Nature Works interactive and live animal exhibits including a live, working beehive and animals native to this area.

Dynamic Earth
Touch a tornado, meet "Stan" our 40-foot Tyrannosaurus Rex replica, excavate dinosaur bones and see how earthquakes shake buildings.

Pavilion Discovery Store
Take your memories home with you! Visit the Discovery Store for great gifts, science related toys and Washington Pavilion souvenirs. Admission is not required to visit the Pavilion Discovery Store.

Wells Fargo CineDome Theater
The Wells Fargo CineDome Theater at the Kirby Science Discovery Center features large-format science adventure on our giant 60-foot domed screen.

Group Discounts, programs and services are available.
Visit our Group Visits and Learning Adventures pages for more information.

The Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science is a member of the Association of Science-Technology Centers. Washington Pavilion members can visit other ASTC facilities free of charge (some exceptions or fees may apply). Find a list of current participants.

Science classes, workshops and more
Explore the wonders of science! Kids will have a blast learning about chemisty, electricity, fossils and more.