Pacific Science Center closes for 5-week renovation, dinosaurs retire

SEATTLE — The Pacific Science Center will close its doors for five weeks beginning Sept. 2, marking the end of an era as it retires its dinosaur exhibit that has entertained visitors for four decades.

The closure, which runs through Oct. 10, will allow the science center to remove 11 animatronic dinosaurs that have been fixtures since 1986 and prepare for new exhibits and facility upgrades.

The dinosaurs, constructed from foam latex and silicone, have become increasingly expensive to maintain as the materials deteriorate with age and handling.

“These things are really fragile and moving them… they’re more prone to tears and rips,” explained Julie O’Mara, a PacSci spokesperson.

While most of the prehistoric giants will be permanently removed, the science center plans to preserve one dinosaur for nostalgic purposes.

Replacing the dinosaur exhibit will be “Spiders: from Fear to Fascination,” though O’Mara said it will be housed in a different area. PacSci has not yet revealed what features will fill the dinosaur exhibit space, though KING 5 was told it will be an “immersive and interactive experience.”

When the science center reopens on Oct. 11, visitors will notice another significant change: the courtyard gates will remain open, and the ticketing booths will be pushed back to provide easier access.

“We have long term plans in partnership with Seattle Center to remove the gates completely to make this more of a portal to Seattle Center in downtown,” O’Mara said.

For families like the Tiñas, who have made annual summer visits to the science center, the changes represent both an ending and a new beginning.

Despite the nostalgia for the departing dinosaurs, 12-year-old Harper Tiña expressed optimism about the upcoming changes.

“I think it’s gonna be cool and I’m excited to see it change,” she said.