Open 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

We Can't Wait to See You!

The Danville Science Center is your place to discover!

The Science Center follows a set of operating protocols to help ensure every guest has the best experience as they discover their world. If you’re into details like us, take a gander below at how we run things!

Science Center Operating Hours

  • The Science Center is open Wednesday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday from 11:30 a.m.–5 p.m.

Science Center Admission

  • Tickets can be purchased in person at the Science Center. We have worked to make entry as “touch free” or “low touch” as possible.
  • Members are encouraged to download and present their digital membership card to encourage “low touch” check-in.
  • To moderate the flow of guests, Science Center staff will actively monitor the guest levels in exhibit spaces. Please be patient, we may ask that you check out another area of the Science Center if we feel a space is getting too crowded.
  • If you or anyone in your party is feeling ill on the day of your visit or is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, please reschedule your visit until everyone in your party is feeling well and symptom free.

Personal Protection

  • The Science Center does not require masks indoors for guests and staff. We are still recommending that unvaccinated guests wear a mask. Guests or staff who would like to continue to wear a mask indoors are welcome to.

Arriving at the Science Center

  • Guests should use the main doors of Science Central or Science Station for entry.
  • You will notice new plexiglass windshields at the Guest Services desk in Science Central.

While at the Science Center

  • Guests under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
  • Guests can enjoy exhibits currently open: Water, GO!, Crescent Crossing, the Butterfly Station and Garden (April–October) and the touring exhibition gallery. You can also check out a feature in The Dome or test your creativity in a workshop in the J.T. - Minnie Maude Charitable Trust Creativity Lab. Click here for our daily schedule.
  • Please ask a staff member or a volunteer if you have any questions while you’re visiting!
  • Be respectful of other guests and recognize there might be a line for a popular experience. Trust us, we know it’s tempting to run in the hamster wheel!
  • Please observe the age restrictions in Crescent Crossing, our space for early learner ages five and younger. The big kids have the rest of the Science Center so let’s reserve this space for our younger scientists.
  • If the Butterfly Station & Garden looks crowded, try checking out another experience in the Science Center and head back later. The butterflies aren’t going anywhere!
  • Do we need to say shirts and shoes are required? Okay. Shirts and shoes are required. Pants as well. And please refrain from wearing clothing with adult language or that depicts adult situations.
  • No firearms are allowed in the Science Center.
  • Never stop learning! Science is all around you all the time.

Cleaning Procedures

  • Thorough cleaning and sanitizing has always been a critical part of our daily operations. Our cleaning procedures are based on the Centers for Disease Control guidelines using Environmental Protection Agency registered disinfectants.
  • Our staff disinfects all hands-on items and frequently touched surfaces located in our galleries throughout the day as well as at the close of each day.
  • Deep cleaning takes place each night when the Science Center is closed. The floors are mopped and vacuumed, restrooms are cleaned and all surfaces are sanitized. An electrostatic sprayer is used on upholstery and solid surfaces including the Dome.

Indoor Air Quality Measures

The following air quality measures have been instituted based on current directives from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

  • The Science Center is changing all 20 percent pleated air filters currently used in our air-handling system to MERV-13 air filters to capture more contaminants. These more advanced filters address pollen, dust, dust mites, mold, bacteria, pet dander, oil smoke, smoke, smoke and virus carriers.
  • Humidity is being maintained in the building 40 and 60 percent to better control airborne contaminants.
  • The Science Center has commenced a purge cycle on all air handling units to pull in 100 percent outdoor air twice a day to reduce VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) in the envelope. This is done once in the morning at start-up and again in the afternoon. The purge cycles are designed to run anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours depending on environmental factors.

So there you have it. Some of the ins and outs of how the Science Center operates. Please be sure to check out all the things you can do at the Science Center as well as accessibility information before your visit. Until you join us in person, you can start your STEM discovery at home with some of our digital content.

Updated June 3, 2022.