Seattle’s iconic Pacific Science Center is bidding a bittersweet farewell to its beloved animatronic dinosaurs, fixtures that have captivated generations since 1990. These impressive prehistoric beasts, once a cornerstone of the center’s appeal, are set to be retired permanently, marking the end of an era for one of the city’s most cherished cultural institutions.
The decision to remove the animatronic dinosaurs stems primarily from escalating maintenance costs and the irreparable deterioration of the models. Crafted by Dinamation in 1986, the silicone and foam latex over steel frames were designed for a 15-year lifespan, yet the Pacific Science Center staff ingeniously extended their existence for nearly four decades through meticulous in-house repairs, a testament to their dedication despite the original fabricator going out of business.
As a result of this significant change, the Pacific Science Center plans a temporary closure for approximately five weeks this September. This period will facilitate essential facilities maintenance and a comprehensive reorganization, preparing the ground for innovative new experiences. While the courtyard’s fiberglass dinosaurs are currently safe, their future remains uncertain amidst broader campus renovations.
The space currently occupied by these colossal animatronic dinosaurs, some towering up to 10 feet high and stretching 16 feet wide, will not remain vacant. Officials confirm that the area will reopen at an unspecified future date, transformed to offer new immersive and interactive programming designed to enhance the science education mission of the center, promising fresh engagement for visitors.
This major overhaul is part of a larger strategic evolution for the 62-year-old Seattle attractions institution, which is actively navigating financial headwinds and managing its iconic yet aging campus. The center is committed to revitalizing its infrastructure and offerings to ensure its continued relevance and fiscal stability for years to come.
In a significant development, the Pacific Science Center has announced plans to collaborate with Seattle Center, a partnership that could unlock vital city funding and facilitate further campus enhancements. President and CEO Will Daugherty envisions the Science Center as a crucial link between downtown and Seattle Center, potentially featuring a new northern entrance and a publicly accessible courtyard, fostering greater community connection.
Beyond partnerships, the institution is exploring various avenues for long-term fiscal health, including the potential sale of parts of its property — a handful of buildings, its laser dome, and two IMAX theaters — alongside long-term building rentals and other strategic collaborations. These considerations underscore the profound changes underway to secure the cultural institutions’ future amidst evolving urban landscapes and economic pressures.
Saying goodbye to these longtime friends, including the mighty allosaurus, the unique parasaurolophus, and the famous stegosaurus, will undoubtedly be difficult for many. To mark their departure, the Pacific Science Center is organizing a 21-plus “Farewell, Dinos” party on August 21st. The center is also considering selling, raffling, or donating parts of the museum exhibits, though most are too fragile to move, with only the Allosaurus deemed in “sellable” condition, offering a rare chance to adopt a piece of Seattle’s paleontological past.
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