Call 237-3400 for a current schedule of events and submarine tours.
Miniature Railroad and Village
Pittsburgh’s famous 2,300-square-foot display depicts life in 1920s.
SciQuest
Feel an earthquake in full motion in the “quake room,” step inside a wind tunnel, use the infrared cameras to see the heat variations in your body, and more in this exploration of light and sound waves, flight and the forces of nature.
Science & Sport ATRIUM GALLERY
Climb an ice wall, learn how to pitch a fast ball, and play a game of “virtual” basketball.
USS Requin
Tour Pittsburgh’s only submarine docked right outside the Science Center on the banks of the Ohio River. The 1997 tour highlights the sub’s propulsion and engineering plant.
Ports of Discovery
Interactive exhibits designed primarily for children ages 3–13 are coupled with a four-tank coral reef Aquarium that is fascinating for people of all ages.
The Works
Five stages in this electronic theater feature live, in-depth presentations of a working foundry, industrial and educational robots, powerful lasers, fast-freeze cryogenics and electrical equipment like the huge Tesla coil.
Eating
Learn about what we eat, why we eat and the foods of various peoples of the world. A special feature is the Kitchen Theater, where daily shows take a look at the science behind cooking. (See Kitchen Theater column in this issue.)
SHOWS
Call 237-3400 for current showtimes.
Omnimax Theater
Special Effects THROUGH JUNE 12
Get an inside view of the wizardry that goes into the creation of special effects in Hollywood movies. See spectacular spaceship maneuvers from Star Wars Trilogy Special Edition, spectacular pyrotechnics Independence Day, a stampede of elephants and rhinos in Jumanji, and the flying genie from Kazaam. The film demonstrates how camera operators, animators and computer graphic artists rely on the principles of visual perception to fool movie audiences.
A production of NOVA/WGBH Boston. An IMAX Experience. Starring scenes from “STAR WARS TRILOGY SPECIAL EDITION” with visual effects by Industrial Light & Magic”INDEPENDENCE DAY” “JUMANJI” and “KAZAAM” with a special appearance by KING KONG ©1996 WGBH Educational Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
Yellowstone THROUGH JUNE 2
Come face to face with a grizzly bear and soar to the top of a waterfall in the world’s first and oldest national park. Learn about geysers and hot springs, and the history and wildlife at Yellowstone. This film is offered as a double feature film at 7:00 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays only, followed by Special Effects at 8:00 p.m. Tickets may be purchased separately.
Whales JUNE 13–DECEMBER 11
Travel the globe and discover blue whales in California, humpback whales in the Alaskan bays, and right whales in Patagonia. With a supporting cast of orcas and dolphins, this monumental film shows how Earth’s largest creatures feed, communicate and migrate. Double feature on Friday and Saturday nights, June 13–December 11, includes Special Effects at 7:00 p.m. and Whales at 8:00. Tickets may be purchased separately.
3-D Laser Shows ONGOING
Cutting-edge technology takes viewers through three dimensions as laser images pop off the Omnimax’s giant screen and appear to hover in mid-air. Don’t miss this light and color extravaganza on “Late Nights” Fridays and Saturdays, and weekend matinees. Show themes change frequently.
Planetarium
Comet: From Ice to Fire THROUGH OCTOBER 3
What are comets? How can I see one? Find the answers to these questions and see live images of what could be the brightest comet in 20 years, Comet Hale-Bopp.
Stars Over Pittsburgh FRIDAY NIGHTS, ONGOING
The doors to the Pittsburgh night sky are open to you to explore the planets, constellations and stars. Learn to locate the Big Dipper, the North Star and other deep-sky wonders.
ÿ