Seattle’s Pacific Science Center is selling a portion of its property to the owners of the Space Needle, including the Boeing IMAX Theater. The private nonprofit is divesting 20%–25% of its total property. The sale also includes Building 1, the Carnevali Pavilion, and part of the Ackerley Family Exhibit Gallery.
PacSci President and CEO Will Daugherty told The Seattle Times on Tuesday that the organization has finalized a sale agreement with Space Needle LLC. Read on for answers to all of your questions.
Will the Boeing IMAX Theater continue to exist?
Yes. Space Needle CEO Ron Sevart told The Seattle Times that the Boeing IMAX Theater will remain open as a movie theater. “We’re excited to partner with Pacific Science Center in continuing the availability of two IMAX theaters on the Seattle Center Campus,” Sevart said, adding that, “We haven’t explored any use other than as an IMAX theater.”
However, moviegoers should anticipate a temporary disruption. A “brief renovation” of the theater is slated for completion in May, with the goal of upgrading concessions and improving the arrival experience. It is not yet known when construction will begin.
What about the Paccar IMAX Theater?
PacSci will retain operations of the smaller Paccar IMAX Theater. During the Boeing IMAX renovation this spring, certain screenings may be shifted to the Paccar theater.
Why is this sale happening?
PacSci leaders said that by 2023 it had become evident the nonprofit would need to sell part of its real estate holdings in order to remain viable. The science center has faced financial strain since the pandemic, contending with higher costs and broader economic pressures. Daugherty said proceeds from the sale will support ongoing operations and help pay for long-anticipated upgrades to the aging campus and facilities.
Those upgrades include the recent removal of courtyard gates to create a more open entrance, improvements to the courtyard, the addition of a new Maker & Innovation Lab, and expanded educational offerings.
Additionally, Daugherty noted that “the economics of operating a movie theater have become increasingly challenging. It made sense for PacSci to include the Boeing IMAX Theater in this transaction.”
How long has this sale been in the works?
The nonprofit’s board of directors voted to move forward with the sale in January 2025, and the decision received approval in July.
What else will change at PacSci as a result of this sale?
Details are still emerging, but a news release issued Tuesday described a “new strategic partnership” between PacSci and the Space Needle that will feature “immersive and interactive experiences.” The two organizations plan to cross-promote activities, exhibits and programming on their respective properties. They will also introduce joint and add-on ticket packages, along with special perks for members of each organization.
“While continued operation of the Boeing IMAX Theater is our short-term focus, we can’t wait to explore other partnership opportunities that support the future of Pacific Science Center and the Seattle Center,” Sevart said in a news release published Tuesday.
The outlook for employees working in the areas included in the sale remains uncertain. When asked about possible layoffs, Daugherty told the Times: “We have not yet determined the impact on PacSci staffing.”