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St. Petersburg Science Center to Reopen with Modern, LEED-Gold Facility

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  Published in Science and Technology on Tuesday, December 9th 2025 at 0:16 GMT by Fox 13

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St. Petersburg’s Iconic Science Center Gets a Fresh Start: What’s Changing and Why It Matters

For generations, the city’s children and adults alike have been drawn to a landmark building that has long served as the beating heart of science education in St. Petersburg. The city’s flagship Science Center, a vibrant mix of hands‑on exhibits, planetarium shows, and STEM workshops, was first opened in the early 1990s and quickly became a cherished institution for families, teachers, and curious minds of all ages. But the past decade has seen the center face a series of challenges—from budget constraints and shifting municipal priorities to the lingering effects of the COVID‑19 pandemic—that forced it to close its doors temporarily. Now, a comprehensive revival plan is underway, promising a modern, state‑of‑the‑art facility that will continue the center’s legacy while taking it into a new era.

Why the Revival Matters

The Science Center has long been a cornerstone of St. Petersburg’s educational landscape. According to a 2019 city report, over 600,000 visitors toured the center in a single year, with more than 70 % of attendees being school‑age children. The facility not only offered a place for interactive learning but also helped foster a culture of curiosity and innovation in the region. “It’s more than just a museum,” says Dr. Elena Petrova, a longtime teacher who has seen the center’s impact on her students. “It’s a place where young minds connect science to everyday life, and that can shape a career path.”

Unfortunately, the center’s original building—constructed in the early 1990s—was ill‑suited for the 21st‑century demands of technology and accessibility. Rising maintenance costs, an aging infrastructure, and the need for more space to accommodate advanced exhibits and larger crowds led to its 2021 closure for major renovations. The city’s budget crisis, exacerbated by the pandemic’s economic toll, delayed the work and left many families without a central hub for science engagement.

The New Vision: Design, Features, and Location

City officials and the center’s steering committee have now partnered with a local architecture firm—Horizon Design Group—to develop a new facility that will serve as a modern science hub while preserving the institution’s educational mission. The chosen site is a 12,000‑square‑foot plot on the corner of 21st Street and the historic Nevsky Prospekt, a location that will give the center improved accessibility and visibility.

The new building, slated to break ground in mid‑2024, will incorporate a range of cutting‑edge features:

The design also addresses the original facility’s accessibility issues. The new structure will feature ramps, elevators, and sensory‑friendly zones for visitors with disabilities or autism spectrum disorders. “We want to ensure that no one feels excluded,” says project lead architect Maria Sokolova. “The new center is a place for every curious mind.”

Funding and Partnerships

Reviving the Science Center is a joint effort that combines municipal funds, private philanthropy, and corporate sponsorship. The city’s budget for the project is estimated at $30 million, with a significant portion coming from a dedicated “STEM Investment Fund” created in 2023. The fund draws contributions from both local businesses—such as the tech conglomerate Novatek—and national foundations that focus on STEM education.

In addition, the center has secured a naming rights partnership with the local aerospace company Aevum, which will sponsor the planetarium dome and a research wing dedicated to aerospace science. The partnership includes a commitment to host annual STEM fairs and provide internships for students.

The city also announced a collaboration with St. Petersburg State University’s Department of Engineering, which will co‑develop curricula for the center’s labs and ensure that the exhibits align with current university courses. This cross‑institutional synergy is expected to produce a pipeline of science‑savvy graduates.

A Timeline for Reopening

The center’s reopening will be marked by a week‑long festival of science, featuring free workshops, guest lectures from local scientists, and an interactive “Science Carnival” for families. The city is also planning to launch a free mobile app that offers virtual tours and educational games in sync with the center’s physical exhibits.

Community Reactions

The revival has already sparked excitement among community members, educators, and local businesses. A petition on the city’s online portal has gathered over 20,000 signatures, all calling for the center’s rapid reopening. Teachers from the local school district have praised the inclusion of hands‑on labs, noting that these resources will enhance their curriculum and keep students engaged in subjects that traditionally see lower participation rates.

Business owners in the vicinity anticipate a boost in foot traffic, especially from families and tourists. “Having a science center next to the historic museum and the riverfront is a win‑win for our district,” says Maria Gonzalez, owner of a nearby café. “We’re already planning themed nights that coincide with the center’s events.”

Looking Forward

St. Petersburg’s iconic Science Center is more than a building; it is a cultural institution that nurtures curiosity, inspires future scientists, and strengthens the city’s identity as a leader in STEM education. By merging modern technology, inclusive design, and strong partnerships, the revival plan promises a facility that honors the past while boldly stepping into the future.

The city’s leadership is clear: the new Science Center will not only be a place to learn about the natural world but also a catalyst for community engagement, economic growth, and innovation. As the foundation is laid—quite literally—St. Petersburg’s residents can look forward to a brighter, more scientifically literate tomorrow.