Summer of STEM adventures awaits at the Saint Louis Science Center

Visit the Saint Louis Science Center this summer and never stop learning! From special exhibition experiences to major upgrades of the James S. McDonnell Planetarium, guests of all ages will have ample opportunities to engage in STEM and spark their curiosity. This season is jam-packed with events, OMNIMAX® Theater films, and much more.

The Blue Whale Story

Discover the wonder of the blue whale at The Blue Whale Story.

• When: May 23, 2026 – January 10, 2027
• Cost: $8 for Science Center members; $16 for adults (ages 13-59); $12 for children (ages 5-12); $14 those ages 60 or older and military personnel; and $10 per person for groups of 10 or larger.

The Blue Whale Story is more than a special exhibition—it’s an immersive exploration grounded in real science. When nine blue whales tragically became trapped and died in the sea ice near Newfoundland, Canada, ROM scientists seized a rare opportunity to study these extraordinary animals in unprecedented detail. Their work opens a window into the lives of the world’s largest mammals and highlights the vital importance of protecting them for future generations and the health of Earth’s oceans. Get tickets today.

Major McDonnell Planetarium Upgrades

The iconic McDonnell Planetarium will undergo a major update not seen in the past 25+ years. A new projection instrument brings the night sky to life—showcasing stars, planets, and other can’t-miss cosmic sights. The upgrade to the GOTO Chiron III Hybrid Star Projector (the first of its kind to be installed in the United States) and a Cosm Digistar Full-Dome Data Visualization System will create a fully hybrid planetarium. Modernizing the Planetarium’s projection system will combine the traditional, educator-led astronomy show display with a high-resolution, digital projection system and present many new experiences for Science Center guests of all ages and backgrounds.

Updates, new shows and programs will debut in summer 2026.

Inspiring Films at the OMNIMAX Theater

• When: Thursdays through Mondays, April to June
• Cost: Free for members (based on membership level); $11.50 non-member adults; $9.50 children/seniors; $9.50 military

The OMNIMAX Theater houses a five-story, 80-foot diameter dome screen that features IMAX® with Laser to fill the audience’s entire field of vision, immersing viewers in captivating stories and that inspire and entertain. With the addition of incomparable surround sound technology, the theater delivers one of the most unique movie-going experiences in the region.

All-ages films now showing:

• Wild Asia – explore the diverse ecosystems of Asia, learning about how wildlife adapts to some of the most extreme landscapes on Earth.

• Serengeti – Immerse yourself in the intricacies of the annual wildebeest migration — a perfect symphony orchestrated by several species that maintain the balance of this delicate ecosystem.
• Deep Sky – See deep into the past via the James Webb Space Telescope and explore

novel cosmic landscapes, exoplanets, and stars.

Coming June 19:

Secrets of the Sea captures never-before-seen footage of more than 70 species of extraordinary creatures and highlights the crucial role biodiversity plays to maintain a healthy ocean.

Get tickets for these films today.

Connect with STEM Experts at SciFests

• When: The Great Outdoors May 30, Play & Creativity August 8
• Cost: Free

SciFests are free, all-ages events that welcome curious minds of all backgrounds to explore science, technology, engineering, and math—whether you’re here to learn something new or just have fun. From sports to engineering and art to quantum science, discover answers to the world around you.

Science Center Up Late: Experience Sound

• When: July 25
• Cost: $15 for members; $20 for non-members. Ages 21 and up.

Science Center Up Late: Experience Sound explores music and sound in a scientific light, from speaker technology to expert presentations. Event admission includes themed activities and engagement with local STEM professionals. Tickets coming soon.

Don’t miss your chance to explore the “wonder of why” this summer through hands-on exhibits, exciting special events, and unforgettable experiences at your museum.

The Science Center is free to enter everyday, and with hundreds of hands-on, interactive exhibits across ten galleries, each visit is different.

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