NEWS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Caroline Scutt, caroline.scutt@nulldavincisciencecenter.org

ALLENTOWN, PA. July 28, 2023 – Senator Nick Miller donned a hard hat and joined the Da Vinci Science Center and Butz teams on a tour of the new Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion, slated to open in the spring of next year.

“It was a privilege to see the progress the Da Vinci Science Center has made thus far,” said Senator Miller. “The new center is going to be an incredible asset to downtown, bringing even more families to the area. The center is also partnering with the Allentown School District, which will create even more opportunities for our students. We are excited for the opening in the spring.”

“We are extremely thankful to Senator Miller for taking the time out of his busy schedule to see up close the progress being made on the new building. The construction of the science center is literally science, technology, engineering, arts and math or STEAM in action,” said Lin Erickson, Executive Director and CEO. 

The new Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion, opening in the spring of 2024, will offer 30,000 square feet of exhibit experiences, including a digital gallery where visitors can create 3D animations on a 54-foot high screen while exploring topics that fascinated Leonardo da Vinci; an immersive walk-through, climb-through human body experience sponsored by LVHN (Lehigh Valley Health Network); the recreation of a Pocono Ravine, presented by Alvin H. Butz, featuring North American river otters; and the City Center Gallery featuring award-winning, international traveling exhibitions. Live demonstrations in the Science Theater and workshops, clubs, and camps during school, after school, on weekends, and during the summer months will provide rich learning experiences for the entire Lehigh Valley community and beyond.

“We once again want to thank our state and local elected officials including Governor Shapiro, Senator Miller, and the entire Lehigh Valley legislative delegation for continuing to see the importance in providing state funds for our new science center in downtown Allentown,” Erickson said. “The state was among the first to invest in this project and we appreciate the support in recognizing the importance of cultural and educational institutions in the Lehigh Valley.” 

Da Vinci Science Center is closing in on its $73 million fundraising goal with an additional $5 million still to be raised. “I have no doubt that the Lehigh Valley community will help us reach our goal and look forward to celebrating with the entire community at our ribbon cutting and opening next spring,” Erickson added.

For more information on the new Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion or to donate to the project, visit pplpavilion.davincisciencecenter.org.

About the Da Vinci Science Center
The Da Vinci Science Center is a national award-winning science center that has brought science to life and lives to science since 1992. Da Vinci Science Center experiences make science fun and approachable, helping to connect people of all ages and backgrounds with the wonders of science. An independent nonprofit organization with IRS 501(c)(3) status, the Da Vinci Science Center engages more than 150,000 participants annually with its exhibits, programs, events, and partnerships.

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