Last updated: October 18, 2023 at 12:21 pm
This fact sheet was compiled for use by the media, partner organizations, and the general public.
Facility:
- Opened November 5, 1995 in the historic, iconic 1929 City Light and Power building
- Original renovations and exhibits cost $9 million
- 70,000 square foot building
- 35,000-square feet of exhibit space, temporary exhibition area, two classrooms, a video learning space, demonstration theater, gift shop, exhibits repair shop and offices
- Completed a $1.6M Science On a Sphere capital project in 2013, the first expansion since opening
- Installing a $3.2M Planetarium capital project
- Replaced most original exhibits during 2018-2023
Budget:
- Nearly $2.2M annually
- About 44% of the operating budget came from earned revenue and 56% from fundraising
- Debt-free since 2012
- Net Assets of $7.5M
- 2 endowment funds, managed and self-managed
- Receive no annual government funds for general operations, unlike other U.S. science centers
Visitors:
- Over 3 million people, including on-site and outreach visitation, have been served since 1995
- Annual measurable impact of 135,000 people
- Visitors came from 46 States in the past year
- 49% of general public visitors were from outside Fort Wayne and 44% were from outside Allen County
- Served 31 counties around the Tri-State region with school outreaches and study trips
- Almost 860,000 people have been served through outreach programs since opening
- Approximately 2,400 Memberships
Distinctions:
- The only science center in the region, and the most-visited Fort Wayne museum
- Indiana’s first museum-based NOAA’s Science On a Sphere exhibit
- Will open the region’s only public planetarium, with both starball and digital projection systems
- Voted 4th Best Indiana Museum in 2018 and Top 20 Museum in 2020 by the Indiana Department of Tourism, and 4th Best Indiana Science Museum by Tripadvisor in 2023
- 4-time national award winner for interactive virtual learning
- Partnerships with museums, universities, schools, media, libraries and government agencies
- Staff serve on STEM-related boards, committees and community groups
Programs:
- Student study trips, demonstrations, labs, outreach, birthday parties, camps, workshops, scout programs, overnights, adult programs, early learners, themed festivals, homeschool activities
- Specialized training workshops for nearly 8,500 pre-service and in-service teachers since opening
- All school programs correlate to Indiana’s State Standards for Science
- Featured in weekly radio and television segments
- Educational interactive video programs nationally and internationally
- Host Disabilities Days
- Host numerous free or reduced admission days
- Provide nearly 500 charitable free passes a year
Economic Impact:
- Premier cultural institution that improves the local quality of life, attracts and retains new businesses and residents, and contributes to the educational development of the region’s future employees
- Out-of-town visitors annually contribute approximately $1 million to the local economy
- Provides jobs to approximately 60 people
- Approximately 200 volunteers
History
Looking for more in-depth info? Learn about the history of Science Central and the historic building we are in?
Media Inquires
Want to spotlight Science Central or our programs? Need an interview? Want access to our logos, B-roll video, etc.?
Spread the Word!
Media Inquires
Looking to partner with us? Want to spotlight Science Central? Need access to logos, B-roll video, schedule an interview?