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Mission and History

Our Mission

To bring science to life and lives to science

Vision Statement

To be a leader and partner advancing science learning, quality of life, and economic development in the Lehigh Valley area by:

  • Delivering enjoyable experiences for families and schools that encourage interest in science
  • Providing leadership in science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) education throughout the area
  • Inspiring an outstanding 21st century workforce
  • Contributing to social and economic vitality

Our History

The Da Vinci Science Center’s roots were planted in 1992 when Lehigh University in Bethlehem formed the Science Model Area Resource Team (SMART) to provide interactive science experiences for local students. The SMART Center left Lehigh to become an independent non-profit in 1999. In the fall of 2005, the Science Center moved to a 29,000-square-foot facility in the west end of Allentown and became a major attraction with exhibits and programs that make science fun and accessible for learners of all ages. In the spring of 2024, the Science Center found its new home at the brand new 3 story and 67,300 square-foot Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion in downtown Allentown.

Leonardo and the Horse

Leonardo da Vinci envisioned “Il Cavallo” in the 15th century, but war and circumstance prevented him from completing his masterpiece. Through the non-profit Leonardo da Vinci’s Horse, Inc., the late Charles C. Dent and then his nephew Peter C. Dent actualized Leonardo’s vision unveiling a 24-foot bronze horse statue in Milan, Italy, on Sept. 10, 1999, before a global audience. The current Science Center took shape in 2003 with the merger of the Discovery Center of Science and Technology and Leonardo da Vinci’s Horse, Inc.


Da Vinci Science Center Digital Time Capsule

On Sept. 10, 2019, in honor of bringing science to life and lives to science since 1999, our employees, volunteers, supporters, and friends submitted their favorite ‘Da Vinci Moment’ to create Da Vinci Science Center’s first ever digital time capsule.


Explore More

See All Exhibits
Photo of a father and child experiencing one of the programs in Curiosity Hall

Curiosity Hall

Begin your adventure in Curiosity Hall, where the excitement reaches new heights – literally!

Sharks

Older than dinosaurs — and more threatened than threatening Sharks are spectacular, surprising, and often misunderstood.

Photo of a child interacting with one of the Vitruvian Hubs in Lehigh Valley Health Network My Body

Lehigh Valley Health Network
My Body

Embark on a journey into the incredible realm of the human body – the most sophisticated and complex machine on the planet!

Support Us

Your support will help us bring science to life and lives to science in so many ways — including our exhibit experiences, academic and visitor programs, professional development for educators, and our new facility.

Our Partners

Beall and Linny Fowler
B BraunPPL
Bob and Sandy Lovett
Lehigh Valley Health Network
The Dexter F. & Dorothy H. Baker Foundation