Starting this week, Pacific Science Center will begin removing the front gates and ticket booths at its north entrance, opening up the iconic courtyard and arches as a fully public space once again. The move honors the original 1962 World’s Fair vision of architect Minoru Yamasaki, who designed the campus as a place for gathering, reflection, and exploration, not just a pass-through to get inside the museum.
The construction project runs through the end of February, with temporary pedestrian routes and detour signage to guide visitors to the main entrance. General admission hours remain unchanged: Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The courtyard will be closed on days PacSci is closed (Mondays and Tuesdays) during the project, with several impacted dates listed through late February.
(Image: JiaYing Grygiel / Seattle’s Child)
For families who’ve been following PacSci’s recent refresh, this is another big step in a larger push toward accessibility and openness. The gates, which were installed in 1993, have already been open since last fall, when PacSci reopened after a seven-week closure that brought exhibit updates and space reconfigurations. The goal now is to have the gates completely gone by spring, in time for Seattle’s World Cup moment, transforming the courtyard into a true public plaza once more.
“Science is always evolving — and so is your science center,” PacSci leads with on its updates page. The organization says the change is designed to make the campus more welcoming, inviting everyone to enjoy the space even before stepping inside the exhibits.
Pacific Science Center is located at 200 Sue Bird Court N. Seattle, WA 98109. It’s open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and the public courtyard is open when PacSci is open from 9:45 a.m.–11 p.m. Currently, the Denny Way Entrance is closed. General admission includes unlimited Planetarium and daytime laser shows (free timed tickets required). Planetarium shows are limited capacity and sell out quickly; reserve in advance.
