Ontario Science Centre opening temporary location by summer 2026

The Ontario Science Centre is getting a new temporary home on Toronto's waterfront very soon, with the provincial government announcing on Wednesday that an interim location will open at Harbourfront Centre by summer 2026. 

The announcement comes over a year after the Science Centre's abrupt closure in June 2024, following a 52-page engineering report warning the 1969 building was "at risk of potential roof panel failure." 

Following the surprise shutdown, the Science Centre brought two interactive exhibitions to Sherway Gardens, including Towers of Tomorrow with Lego Bricks, and Circus! 

The museum's KidSpark exhibit was also relocated to the Harbourfront Centre, and, in an effort to build on its success, the Science Centre is set to expand its space at the waterfront space by 2026 until its new permanent home is completed at Ontario Place.

"By establishing the Ontario Science Centre's interim location at the Harbourfront Centre, we're helping Ontario families access world-class science programming even as we continue building a new, expanded and state-of-the-art Ontario Science Centre just steps away at Ontario Place," said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. 

"This move will help the Science Centre continue its mission of creating lasting memories with friends and family and nurturing a lifelong love of science, all while contributing to the vibrancy of Toronto's waterfront."

Now covering approximately 86,000 square feet, the Science Centre's expanded site will include classrooms, outdoor program areas, as well as dedicated spaces for exhibitions, workshops, and community events. 

"We are delighted that our interim home will be on Toronto's waterfront at Harbourfront Centre," said Paul Kortenaar, CEO of the Ontario Science Centre.

"Building on the success of our KidSpark experience, this expanded space at Harbourfront Centre will offer even more opportunities for visitors to enjoy hands-on science experiences as we build our future home at Ontario Place."