Da Vinci Science Center | Allentown

Da Vinci Science Center – Allentown, Pennsylvania

The Da Vinci Science Center (DSC) is the Lehigh Valley’s hands-on hub for science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) learning. Founded in 1992 and operating at Cedar Crest College since 2005, the center welcomes roughly 150,000 visitors a year with interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and award-winning educational programs.

What to See and Do

Physics and Motion – Climb inside a two-story “Ever Bright” light wall, launch air rockets, and test Bernoulli principles at the Wind Tunnel.

Invention Project – A tinkerer’s studio where kids design, 3-D print, and prototype gadgets inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s notebooks.

PPL Electric Utilities Energy Lab – Generate power on hand-crank dynamos, weave circuits, and watch a Tesla coil create musical lightning.

Curiosity Hall – Rotating exhibits on topics from robotics and augmented reality to the science of ice hockey.

Reptile and Aquatics Zone – Meet live turtles, snakes, and fish native to Pennsylvania wetlands while learning about ecology and conservation.

Science LIVE! Stage – Daily shows feature liquid-nitrogen explosions, flame tests, and chemistry “magic” that volunteers help perform.

Programs and Outreach

• School field trips aligned to state standards, with pre- and post-visit lesson plans.
• Summer camps in coding, drone piloting, paleontology, and more.
• Girls in STEM mentoring, after-school “Science Clubs,” and traveling assemblies that bring portable planetariums and mobile labs to regional classrooms.
• Annual Da Vinci Science Festival, a week-long celebration capped by a community Maker Faire.

New Downtown Allentown Campus (Opening 2025)

Construction is underway on a 67-million-dollar, 67,000-square-foot facility at 18 N. Sixth Street. The new center will triple exhibit space, add a full-dome digital planetarium, maker workshop, rooftop garden, and a permanent gallery dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci’s art-science legacy. The current Cedar Crest site remains open until the move.

Visitor Essentials

Address (through 2024): 3145 Hamilton Boulevard Bypass, Allentown, PA 18103
Hours: Monday–Saturday 10 AM–5 PM, Sunday 12 PM–5 PM; closed major holidays.
Admission: Adults & youth (3+) $19.95; seniors $17.95; toddlers (2 & under) free; memberships available.
Amenities: Free parking, café with snacks, gift shop, nursing room, and full ADA accessibility.
Website: davincisciencecenter.org • Phone: (484) 664-1002

Why Go?

Blending playful exploration with real-world science, the Da Vinci Science Center sparks curiosity in visitors of every age-perfect for a family outing, school excursion, or anyone eager to experiment, invent, and wonder like Leonardo himself.