Connecticut Science Center Welcomes 5 Millionth Visitor
HARTFORD, CT (August 15, 2025) – The Connecticut Science Center is proudly celebrating a remarkable milestone today, welcoming its 5 millionth visitor. Since opening in 2009, the Science Center has been a vibrant hub of discovery, learning, and family fun in downtown Hartford—sparking curiosity in guests from across the state, the region, and around the globe.
The milestone moment was marked with cheers and a special ceremony honoring our 5 millionth guest, Caroline South, along with her four sons—Cashen, Connor, Joseph, and Tanner—from Woodbury, CT. Visiting the Science Center on a sunny summer day, they came to explore Pixar, meet our critter friends, and, of course, brave a turn in the Hurricane Simulator. They were warmly welcomed by Science Center staff and presented with an exclusive prize package—including a complimentary membership to the Science Center. Other visitors in attendance received a commemorative 5 Million Curiosities Ignited t-shirt.
“This milestone is more than just a number—it’s a testament to the joy of curiosity and the power of science to bring people together,” said Matt Fleury, President & CEO of the Connecticut Science Center. “Over the past 16 years, these millions of learners of all ages have engaged in hands-on experiences that spark imagination, deepen understanding, and inspire. They are the science and technology-aware talent of our future. Today, with gratitude, we celebrate every single person who has made the Connecticut Science Center a part of their lives and those who help make their experiences possible.”
Since its opening in 2009, the Science Center has welcomed visitors from all 50 states and numerous countries, delivered STEM learning experiences to hundreds of thousands of school students, and served as a hub for community events, traveling exhibitions, and groundbreaking science programming. A fixture on the skyline of Connecticut’s capital city, the Science Center elevates interest in STEM careers, promotes durable skills and partners with schools to enhance student engagement and science results.
“As we welcome our next five million visitors—and many more beyond—we will continue to ignite curiosity, fuel discovery, and empower future innovators” said Len Wolman, a Founding Trustee and Chair of the Board of the Connecticut Science Center. “Through bold new exhibitions, cutting-edge digital experiences, and unforgettable hands-on learning, the Science Center will grow its impact as a great source of pride, enjoyment and discovery for our community.”
Last year, in celebration of the Science Center’s fifteenth anniversary, an ambitious ten-year strategic vision was unveiled—placing bold new exhibitions and transformative gallery upgrades at its core. Next summer, the Science Center will take its beloved KidSpace—a special section designated for younger children—beyond its walls and into the open air with an imaginative outdoor science playscape that blends hands-on learning with adventurous play. In the years ahead, visitors can also look forward to the adrenaline-charged Forces in Motion: SPEED gallery, a fully reimagined Sight & Sound experience, a showcase honoring Connecticut’s proud legacy of invention and manufacturing, and an inspiring exhibit exploring the vital themes of energy and sustainability.
The Science Center is also pairing its on-site experiences with a powerful new online platform designed to make visiting and connecting easier than ever—and to bring STEM learning directly into homes every day. With its new mobile-first website, guests can now plan trips, purchase tickets, and manage memberships with greater ease. The next phase will introduce exciting interactive features such as augmented reality enhancements for select exhibits, along with personalized family dashboards to inspire at-home science exploration, track progress, and reward participation through points, badges, and fun contests.
Looking ahead, the Connecticut Science Center remains steadfast in its mission to advance STEM literacy and provide an inclusive, inspiring environment where people of all ages and backgrounds can explore the wonders of science and technology.