The final design for the new Ontario Science Centre at Ontario Place has officially been unveiled, marking a significant step in the province’s plan to reimagine the waterfront destination as a year-round, family-focused hub.
Spanning 400,000 square feet, the new facility will offer more dedicated programming space than the previous Science Centre location. The mainland building is being designed to support large-scale exhibitions, immersive visitor experiences, hands-on science displays, and educational workshops. Renovated and enhanced pods will introduce themed science environments, connected to the main structure by a raised walkway. A public boardwalk will run along the front of the building, adding to the site’s accessibility and waterfront appeal.
The iconic Cinesphere will remain a centerpiece of the development, upgraded and revitalized to feature double its former seating capacity.
The $1.04-billion contract to design, build, finance, and maintain the project has been awarded to Ontario Science Partners, a consortium that includes Hariri Pontarini Architects, known for projects such as the Tom Patterson Theatre in Stratford, Ontario.
Renderings showcase a futuristic structure with expansive windows, multiple open levels, and a green roof. The province says the new Science Centre will meet all accessibility standards and pursue Rick Hansen Foundation accessibility certification, reinforcing its goal of creating an inclusive and inspiring destination for visitors of all ages.
Provincial leaders describe the project as a milestone in building a state-of-the-art Science Centre designed to spark curiosity and discovery for generations to come.
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