Revitalizing the Pacific Science Center: A Beacon of Innovation in Crisis
A Beloved Institution in Crisis
The Pacific Science Center (PacSci), a beloved Seattle institution born from the 1962 World’s Fair, finds itself at a crossroads. Once a shimmering jewel of scientific exploration and education, PacSci now grapples with significant challenges, including a hefty $70 million deferred maintenance bill and declining attendance numbers that have yet to rebound to pre-pandemic levels. Its historic campus, featuring iconic courtyards and ponds, sits in disrepair, with many exhibit spaces either empty or outdated. CEO Will Daugherty acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding the institution’s future, but he and his team are determined to chart a new course. PacSci is embarking on an ambitious $19 million campaign to transform its Maker & Innovation Lab into a crown jewel, exploring real estate sales, and planning a major courtyard renovation. The goal is not just survival but resurgence, ensuring that PacSci continues to inspire the next generation of innovators.
A Historical Icon with a Modern Mission
PacSci’s roots trace back to the U.S. Science Pavilion at the 1962 World’s Fair, a structure celebrated as a “cathedral of science.” Over the decades, it has evolved into a dynamic nonprofit, adding IMAX theaters, laser shows, and a butterfly house. During the COVID-19 pandemic, PacSci demonstrated remarkable resilience by hosting in-person summer camps and developing online learning resources, filling a critical gap for families and educators. Its commitment to STEM education, particularly for underserved children, has earned support from tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google. Yet, despite these efforts, PacSci faces mounting financial pressures, with revenues of $17.6 million in 2023 failing to cover expenses of $19.6 million. The institution’s debts total $13.9 million, and its total assets of $42.7 million include valuable but underutilized real estate holdings.
The Maker & Innovation Lab:Igniting Creativity and STEM Skills
At the heart of PacSci’s revival plan is the Maker & Innovation Lab, a space designed to unleash creativity and hands-on learning. Currently occupying less than half a floor, the lab is equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, and sewing machines, attracting students from a nearby high school every Wednesday. PacSci envisions expanding this into a 14,000-square-foot, three-floor exhibit that includes woodworking tools, advanced laser cutters, and robotics stations. This expanded makerspace aims to empower visitors by teaching problem-solving, engineering, and design skills—filling a gap in STEM education that often overlooks the physical world. Supporters like Jeff Barr of Amazon Web Services and Wei Gao, a PacSci board member and former advisor to Jeff Bezos, emphasize the importance of such hands-on experiences in fostering innovation and global competitiveness.
Ambitious Plans for Revitalization
PacSci’s leadership is thinking big, with plans to not only expand the Maker Lab but also restore the leaky courtyard pools, improve accessibility, and remove the fencing that isolates the campus from the Seattle Center. The nonprofit is also exploring real estate deals, having sold a parcel of land for $13.9 million in 2019. Additional unused spaces, such as a shuttered cafe, could provide future funding opportunities. However, these plans come with hefty price tags—for instance, courtyard renovations could cost between $30 million and $50 million. CEO Will Daugherty compares leading PacSci through these challenges to skiing down a treacherous slope, requiring bold vision and decisive action. The organization is adopting a “minimum viable product” approach, starting work on the Maker Lab with $1.1 million in secured funding while seeking further investment.
Community Support and the Path Forward
Despite the challenges, PacSci’s mission resonates deeply with its community. Board member Jason Barnwell of Microsoft praises Daugherty’s resourceful leadership and calls on the region to rally behind the institution. PacSci’s focus on equity in STEM education has already made a difference, with Amazon’s $1 million donation in 2022 supporting programs for low-income schools. As the Seattle Center prepares to host FIFA World Cup fans in 2026, PacSci sees an opportunity to reconnect with the community by improving its campus and removing physical barriers. The nonprofit’s future hinges on unlocking new funding streams, whether through donations, grants, or asset sales. With a clear vision and unwavering determination, PacSci is determined to emerge from its current struggles as a thriving hub of innovation and learning.
A Bold Vision for the Future
PacSci’s journey is far from over, but its leadership remains undaunted. By leaning into its strengths, embracing creativity, and fostering community partnerships, the institution aims to secure its place as a cornerstone of Seattle’s STEM ecosystem. The revived Maker & Innovation Lab, a revitalized campus, and a renewed connection to the Seattle Center are just the beginning. As Daugherty puts it, the only way to navigate the challenges ahead is with a bold vision and a commitment to making an impact. For PacSci, the mission is clear: inspire the next generation of innovators and ensure that the “cathedral of science” continues to shine for decades to come.
