Seattle’s Pacific Science Center is embracing its roots while preparing for the future, inviting the community to experience the campus in a more open and welcoming way. This winter, the beloved Seattle Center landmark is making a subtle but meaningful change that reconnects it with the vision that first inspired its design more than 60 years ago.
On Tuesday, January 20, Pacific Science Center began removing the gates and ticket booths at its north entrance. The update honors the original intent of architect Minoru Yamasaki, who designed the site for the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair. His iconic arches and open courtyard were meant to serve as a shared civic space—a place for curiosity, reflection, and gathering—rather than a barrier between visitors and discovery.
PacSci emphasized on Instagram that the change does not affect the courtyard arches. “Our iconic arches are not going anywhere,” the organization clarified, noting that the project focuses solely on removing the front gates to create a more open entrance experience.
Construction is expected to continue through the end of February, but Pacific Science Center will remain open throughout. Temporary pedestrian routes and clear detour signage are in place, with adjusted walking paths beginning January 26. General admission hours will stay the same: Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Visitors should note that the courtyard will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, when PacSci is normally closed, during construction. Affected dates include January 20; January 26–27; February 2–3; February 9–10; and February 23–24. Despite the temporary disruptions, the project marks an exciting step toward a more accessible and welcoming Pacific Science Center for Seattle.