Our History
In January 1955, the Central Florida Federation of Art and Sciences, a group of visionary Central Florida citizens, chartered a small non-profit science museum, to be called the Central Florida Museum and Planetarium. Beginning as a "museum on the move," the staff presented demonstrations in area schools and displayed exhibits in store windows and bank lobbies.
In 1957, the City of Orlando provided space for a permanent facility in Orlando, Loch Haven Park. The Central Florida Museum and Planetarium opened its doors in 1960. In its first decade, the museum was anthropology-centered with a focus on the natural history of Florida and the Caribbean basin.
Orlando Science Center has come a long way since 1955. For most of its history, the Science Center operated in a small building that was the original cultural facility in Loch Haven Park. Today, Orlando Science Center occupies a beautiful, 207,000 sq. ft. facility that is architecturally distinctive and built for the future with spacious exhibit halls, nature habitats, classrooms, a theatre, an observatory and visitor amenities such as a science store and cafe.
Today, Orlando Science Center attracts nearly 400,000 visitors each year with dynamic and engaging content. The goal has always been to personalize the guest experience; demonstrating how science impacts everyday life. Structured programming ranges from on-site experiences that utilize exhibits, theatrical performances, classes, and events, to off-site educational programs in the schools.
The Science Center's many collaborative partnerships with public school districts, universities, colleges, science/technology corporations and other commercial and professional enterprises aid in promoting science and technology education for students and in fostering science literacy among Florida's citizens.
Our Future
The most successful hometown endeavors are those that grow out of the needs, resources and cooperation of the community. At Orlando Science Center we build community, not just exhibitions. We recognize that we are caretakers of a tremendous public asset, and that every exhibit and program is an opportunity to build a stronger sense of home for the people of Orlando.
Maintaining a distinctive Central Florida look and feel, Orlando Science Center is currently undergoing renovation of its existing structure to create a state-of-the-art children's museum within its walls while also improving the quality of programming in established exhibit areas.
Orlando Science Center remains one of the most attended cultural institutions in Central Florida. Building on its existing strength as a popular place for families with young children, a children's museum will broaden the Science Center's impact and value to the Central Florida community.
The starting point for creating a children's museum is based on honoring the needs of children within our community. Our goal is to make learning accessible and fun through imagination, play and laughter,while building confidence through self-directed exploration and discovery. A children's museum within the Orlando Science Center will complement our culture and address the unique needs of the children and families of Central Florida.
Capital cost estimates for the children's museum within Orlando Science Center are based on current industry statistics, and include architectural design, planning, construction, building renovation, and management fees. To make this multi-million dollar project a reality, Orlando Science Center is seeking the support of both the public and private sectors of the Central Florida community.
The development of the children's museum will depend on the generosity of individuals, corporations, foundations and planned gifts. Any level of giving is greatly appreciated and as the donor, you will be recognized in many ways depending on your level of commitment. Please join us in this worthwhile investment of our future. This is an opportunity for us all to build a stronger sense of community for Central Florida.