The final design for the new Ontario Science Centre has been revealed!
Earlier today, the provincial government pulled back the curtain on the futuristic science destination at Ontario Place. Designed by the renowned Hariri Pontarini Architects, the 400,000-square-foot facility is set to become a sleek, state-of-the-art landmark that reimagines the city’s relationship with both science and the shoreline.
The vision for the new site is a total overhaul of the visitor experience. The new multi-level mainland building will feature soaring glass walls and a sprawling green roof. A signature raised walkway and a grand outdoor staircase will connect the main building to the site’s historic pod complex, which will be fully modernized for interactive, science-themed programming.
Even the beloved Cinesphere is getting a major glow-up. The iconic silver dome will be retrofitted with acoustic enhancements and a revitalized interior, effectively doubling its seating capacity to host a new generation of IMAX fans and film festivals.
While the new facility is smaller in footprint than the original Don Mills location, the province says the space is designed for maximum efficiency. This includes 120,000 square feet of dedicated exhibit space and hands-on workshops, sun-drenched galleries with floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of Lake Ontario, as well as fully accessible design, aiming for the Rick Hansen Foundation certification to ensure science is for everyone.
The $1.04-billion project is a cornerstone of the wider Ontario Place revitalization, which will eventually feature 50 acres of public parkland, new beaches, and a modernized marina.
Construction is slated to begin this spring, with a target opening date as early as 2029. In the meantime, you don’t have to miss out on the fun; the Ontario Science Centre will be operating out of an interim home at the Harbourfront Centre starting this summer, where you can still find favorites like the KidSpark learning space.