Maker & Innovation Lab Project

Since its inception, Pacific Science Center has embraced experimentation and innovation to address the evolving needs of education in a modern world. Beginning development in summer 2025, PacSci’s Maker & Innovation Lab represents the next leap forward in that mission.

building the Future

Spanning 14,000 square feet across three levels, the state-of-the-art makerspace will be a community space where people of all ages, abilities, and interests can design, build, test, and iterate, through guided and self-led programming and collaborative projects.

• Upper Level: An all-access tinker tank for unfacilitated workshopping, guided projects, and collaborative work that will serve as the gateway to the Maker Lab. PacSci educators will lead activities through a lens of neuroscience, demonstrating the ways that self-driven design-thinking and skill-building transform how we learn.
• Mezzanine: Renovated classrooms for programs, camps, and more.
• Lower Level: A Maker Lab where engineering skills are taught and celebrated. This includes a shop with advanced woodworking equipment and a digital fabrication lab with manufacturing tools and space for focused computer design work. The flexible space will allow for use of mobile equipment and large group collaboration and smaller spaces will be available for small group work.

These new spaces will create opportunities that complement traditional modes of learning while helping build social and critical thinking skills. The Maker & Innovation Lab will also serve as a resource for educators and STEM professionals to showcase work and inspire the next generation of innovators.

Innovation for All

Curious people of all ages, backgrounds, and levels of experience will be energized through the processes of tinkering, making, and engineering. This includes dedicated teen-only hours to promote community-building among young minds, a Maker-In-Residence program with opportunities for mentorships, and low- or no-cost field trips and professional development programs. As always, PacSci’s robust Access Membership will allow enthusiastic makers receiving public assistance to return again and again at a low- or no-cost.

A gateway to Seattle center

With an entrance along Denny Way on the south side of PacSci’s campus, and in conjunction with the removal of the northern gates of PacSci’s courtyard, the new Maker & Innovation Lab will also serve as a long-needed portal connecting Seattle’s Downtown community to the heart of Seattle Center.

Project Scope

The Maker & Innovation Lab is estimated to cost $20 million in funding for design, construction, operations, and other allowances. PacSci secured $1 million from King County’s Doors Open program and an additional $1.4 million from the State Legislature. PacSci is ramping up fundraising from individuals, corporate donors, and foundations.

Support Our Vision

Gifts of all sizes strengthen PacSci’s critical role as a driver of science education, exploration, and creativity for everyone in our community.