Map Legend
- Points of Interest
- Experience Platforms
- Theaters
- Special Exhibit
- Multi-Use Spaces
- Classrooms
- Shops
Science Center of Iowa Interactive Map
See how you can experience the Science Center of Iowa & Blank IMAX Dome Theater!
Click the map to read more about each area
Blank IMAX Dome Theater
A six-story dome-shaped screen surrounds your field of view and the 12,000-watt digital surround sound system lets you hear with crystal clarity. From sight to sound, this 216-seat theater is designed to challenge your natural sensory perception with an immersive movie experience!
Who Are We?
SCI’s main-level exhibit area that formerly housed the Who Are We? experience platform is currently reserved for traveling exhibitions housed at SCI.
Science Is Where You Find It
When not occupied by a traveling exhibit, Science is Where You Find It is the heart of SCI's experience platforms and encourages visitors to recognize science in their everyday lives and see themselves and those around them as everyday scientists. Make the mental switch from being an SCI “visitor” to an active participant, ready to stretch and strengthen your critical thinking and learning skills!
John Deere Adventure Theater
The 175-seat, multipurpose John Deere Adventure Theater utilizes state-of-the-art equipment, unique sets and an intimate environment to complement the overall SCI experience in a theater setting.
Iowa Learning Center
The Iowa Learning Center provides dynamic space for the programs that serve SCI's commitment to lifelong learning, from our renowned preschool to flexible classroom spaces.
A-ha! Gift Store
Take the SCI experience home! You'll find everything from gizmos and gadgets to kits and contraptions in SCI's A-ha! Gift Store.
The Food Chain Cafe
Even if your mind is filled with activities, experiments and films, there’s always room in your stomach for a snack or meal from The Food Chain Cafe, accessible to SCI visitors as well as the general public.
Small Discoveries
Channel your inner-child in SCI's main-level experience platform designed for visitors seven and younger. The exhibits inside can be fun and engaging at any age!
Demonstration Garden
Accessed through the What On Earth? experience platform, this sunny, private terrace makes a great getaway spot for guests of your big event with Facility Rental at SCI.
What on Earth?
Zoology, meteorology, and geology converge inside SCI’s upper-level experience platform What On Earth? which showcases all walks of life across the state of Iowa.
WHO-HD Weather Studio
Become a TV star in the WHO-HD Weather Studio where Channel 13 meteorologists broadcast the weather live from SCI (weather permitting). When the shots aren’t live, try your hand at forecasting weather in front of the green screen!
When Things Get Moving
Launch a rocket, build an arch, master a domino obstacle course and get physical with science inside upper-level experience platform When Things Get Moving with some of SCI's most popular exhibits!
Star Theater
Enter SCI’s digital planetarium, the Star Theater, through the Why The Sky? experience platform and immerse yourself in the night sky under the 50-foot, 360-degree domed screen.
Included with general admission!
Why The Sky?
Discover out-of-this-world space science with the scenario “Living With A Star” inside SCI’s upper-level experience platform Why The Sky?
Also enter here for SCI's Star Theater.
Pendulum Foyer
The Foucault Pendulum is a 235-pound brass ball that demonstrates the rotation of Earth.
Rent this space for an economical reception around one of SCI's most iconic components!
Founders Hall
Located at the heart of our beautiful facility, this grand and colorful atrium space will welcome you into the center of the SCI experience.
Box Office
The SCI team is ready to greet you! Check in at the Box Office when you arrive for tickets, will call, programs schedules and questions.
Main Entrance
The main entrance to both the Science Center of Iowa and the Blank IMAX Dome Theater is located on the north side of our building at the corner of 4th St. and Market St. in Downtown Des Moines.
Parking Ramp
Handicap-accessible parking is available in the covered ramp just north of SCI's front doors with passes sold hourly, daily and monthly.
Upper Atrium & Oculus
Enjoy the best views inside the building from this centralized upper-level space. Regroup as you marvel at the mesmerizing movement of SCI's Ribbon Dancer kinetic sculpture and look into Founders Hall below.
"The Big Questions" Landscape
Enjoy the outdoors in SCI's sculpted landscape, including a stadium-style grassy question mark punctuated with life's "big questions" for you to ponder etched into the surrounding concrete plaza.
SCI Board Room & Admin
SCI's Administrative Offices are located on the upper-level and our beautiful Boardroom with a private patio overlooking Downtown Des Moines is available for rent!
Contact the SCI Administrative Team
Classrooms
SCI’s three classroom spaces located in the Iowa Learning Center – Simulab, Tecnolab, and Physiolab – are ideal for meetings, training sessions and retreats in a focused environment.
Commons
The Commons area is the gateway to SCI’s Iowa Learning Center classrooms and preschool, and houses SCI's Sales Office. Rent this space for casual hospitality or as your birthday party room!
