Celebrating 15 years in Hartford’s educational and cultural scene, the Connecticut Science Center is gearing up for a bold transformation with a $20 million investment to take Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) awareness to new heights.
Over the past decade and a half, the Science Center has attracted more than 4.3 million visitors, sparking curiosity and fostering a love of learning across generations. As the Science Center looks toward its 25th anniversary, it has laid out an ambitious 10-year strategic vision to revamp its offerings, embracing both physical and digital experiences to inspire the next wave of STEM innovators.
Sean Nadeau, vice president of marketing and digital experience, has been with the Science Center for a decade and knows the importance of evolving to meet the needs of modern learners.
The transformation will be powered by both state and private investments, with the state committing $10 million toward the project and private donations making up the rest.
At the heart of this evolution are new exhibitions designed to keep the Science Center at the cutting edge of STEM education. This December, the Exploring Space exhibition will launch, offering visitors a deep dive into the mysteries of the universe. But that’s just the beginning. In 2025, the Science Center will host The Science Behind Pixar, a blockbuster traveling exhibition that explores the fascinating science behind some of the world’s most beloved animated films.
The Center is doubling down on digital experiences to enhance how people engage with science beyond the physical space.
"We’re launching a completely reimagined website and app, which we’re calling the STEM Portal." The new platform will feature augmented reality enhancements, personalized dashboards and real-time content on cutting-edge science, making STEM learning more accessible than ever.
One of the key goals is to ignite interest in STEM careers, particularly among younger audiences who may not have considered such fields. Every new exhibit will include a career focus, showcasing the paths that individuals in STEM fields have taken and demonstrating the career opportunities.
"Kids might not think about careers in engineering or space travel on their own," Sean says, "but when we show them how exciting these fields are, we’re planting the seeds for their future."
In addition, the Science Center is making strides to enhance its community outreach. Schools and communities are increasingly turning to the Science Center to provide support with learning through play and hands-on education.
“We’re not just a museum—we’re a vital resource for the community."
One of the most significant initiatives is the expansion of the KidSpace exhibit, which will include an outdoor science playground, allowing even the youngest visitors to engage in science learning through play. This expansion, along with traveling exhibits like The Science Behind Pixar, will position the Science Center as a must-visit destination for families and science enthusiasts alike.
The Science Center’s impact extends far beyond its walls, as it partners with schools, businesses and local organizations to create a STEM pipeline that keeps talent in Connecticut.
"We’ve changed the skyline of Hartford," Sean says, pointing out that residents no longer have to travel to other states to experience top-tier science education. “We’re doing something unique here, and it’s changing how people think about science and careers in STEM.”
Connecticut Science Center
250 Columbus Blvd., Hartford
Phone: 860-724-3623
Online: CTsciencecenter.org
On Social: @ConnecticutScienceCenter
“The best way to engage is to change with the times. We’ve seen how critical it is to make learning fun, and we’re doing that."