Frequently Asked Questions
Please find answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about directions, parking, ticket prices, programming, and more below. View the IMAX FAQs and Membership FAQs for additional information.
If you have additional questions, please contact Guest Services.
Ticket Information
What do General Admission tickets include?
General Admission tickets include access to our campus and our exhibits, including Tropical Butterfly House, Maker & Innovation Lab, daytime Laser Dome shows, Planetarium shows, and our temporary exhibit: Artemis Adventure with LEGO Bricks.
Both daytime Laser Dome shows and Planetarium shows require additional timed tickets when you purchase general admission tickets.
What is plan-ahead pricing?
Plan-ahead pricing is used by PacSci and other cutting-edge organizations so guests can choose the best day and time to visit that fits their budget and schedule. Like booking a hotel or airfare, typically, the earlier you buy, the more you save.
Why do prices change?
Plan-ahead pricing means that different days and times have different prices based on several factors, including capacity, events, seasonality, and how many people are interested in a specific date or time.
In general, prices for periods with higher estimated attendance will reflect higher demand. This allows us to offer more affordable options as well as reduce overcrowding and ensure an excellent guest experience.
Why is it better to buy tickets early?
Prices will likely rise – and will never decrease – closer to the date of your visit, so you’re guaranteed the current price is the most cost-effective option!
How far in advance can I purchase tickets?
We release ticket dates periodically. Please check back regularly to see what’s available.
Do you offer other discounts?
We do! Washington state residents (with proof of residency) always receive a discount on general admission to Pacific Science Center. Select the WA Resident General Admission ticket to purchase at this discounted rate. Additionally, employees of PacSci Corporate members receive discounts on General Admission.
PacSci also offers free General Admission tickets to guests who self-identify as Native or Indigenous. To request complimentary tickets, email our team, or call us at 206-443-2001. You can also inform our team at PacSci’s ticket booth located at the Main Entry.
Price still a barrier? PacSci is proud to offer an Access Membership program for low-income families, foster youth, and youth experiencing homelessness.
I live in Washington state, how do I get my discount?
Washington residents enjoy a special discount on general admission to Pacific Science Center.
To receive this discount online, use the “Buy Tickets” button on our website, select the date you want to visit from the calendar, then select your Washington Resident Discount Tickets.
At entry, each adult in your party will need to present both their tickets and verification of home address. Verification documents need to show your name and Washington state address; examples include driver’s license, utility bill, other bill, shipping label/packing slip, etc. Additional details and restrictions are listed during checkout.
There is no Washington Resident Discount on memberships, member guest tickets, or special events. PacSci specials, promotions, and discounts can never be stacked or combined in any way.
I’m a PacSci member. How does plan-ahead pricing impact my benefits?
Named PacSci members enjoy unlimited free general admission to PacSci all year! Additionally, PacSci members receive 50% off general admission for guests. The member guest admission discount will apply to whatever the current regular general admission rate for PacSci is for the date of your intended visit.
Address, Directions, & Parking
Which entrance should I use?
Please use our North Entrance near the Armory and the Mural Amphitheater in the Seattle Center. Our Denny Way entrance is currently closed as we undergo facility improvements. If you arrive at our Denny Way entrance, we recommend walking around the east side of our building to get to our North Entrance. View our map for directions.
Where can I park?
There is nearby street parking, which is free on Sundays. The paid parking garage at the southwest corner of PacSci (at the intersection of Denny Way and Second Avenue) has space for a number of vehicles, including handicapped spots. Please note that PacSci does not own or manage that garage. There are also a number of Seattle Center Parking Garages nearby.
For more information, please visit our Parking & Transportation page.
What about accessibility needs?
We are dedicated to offering accessibility for all our guests and making your visit comfortable and convenient. We encourage you to contact our Guest Services in advance at (206) 443-2844 or via email.
If you are on-site, we also encourage you to approach any of our staff members — they are easy to spot in blue PacSci shirts and badges — or visit the Information Desk where our Guest Services team will be happy to assist you.
Handicap parking is available in Seattle Center’s Parking Garages.
For more information, go to our Accessibility web page.
Courtyard Pools
Why has the pool been drained?
The leaks in our courtyard pools have been worsening with time and it has now become unsustainable to keep the North pool filled. These leaks undermine the foundations of our buildings and corrode our electrical and plumbing systems. We drained the pool to avoid additional water waste and further damage to our courtyard and buildings as we work to identify the sources of the leaks and as we develop sustainable solutions.
Will you re-fill it?
We are currently working to identify the sources of the leaks and are unsure of when or if it will be possible to re-fill the North pool in its current condition. Stay tuned to our website and social media channels for updates.
Does this mean that you are starting construction related to The Courtyard Project?
No. While The Courtyard Project was born out of the need to address these urgent issues, we are still in the Project’s exploratory stages. The North pool had to be drained as it needed immediate action to protect vital systems and ensure our foundation remains stable.
Why didn’t you address the pools’ maintenance needs until now?
PacSci staff past and present have been maintaining the courtyard as much as possible with the available resources. Throughout the decades, we have replaced sealants, pumps, and pipes; repaired drains; installed new equipment; conducted routine cleanings and maintenance; and more. As the team currently entrusted to govern, manage, and work at PacSci, we are passionate about the institution’s health and impact, and we will ensure that our iconic courtyard endures.