Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts
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The Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts is located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The center is one of Harrisburg's most unique destinations, the first complex of its kind in the United States to use science as an entry to the arts. The Whitaker Center exhibits science, the performing arts, and an IMAX theater under one roof. The center encompasses a total of 130,000 square feet, including the three main components, plus STAGE TWO, Discovery Lab classrooms, multi-purpose rooms, the AMP Grand Lobby and the Kunkel Gallery.
[edit] Whitaker Center Components
Select Medical IMAX Theater, is a state of the art large-format cinema arts IMAX theater featuring modern educational films and new releases. It is the only IMAX theater in Central Pennsylvania. The IMAX theater is generously supported by Select Medical Corporation.
Harsco Science Center, with three floors features more than 240 fun and informative exhibits that explore physical science, natural science, life science, mathematics and technology. There are also special limited-engagement exhibits. The science center is generously supported by Harsco Corporation.
Sunoco Performance Theater, showcases 664 seats within the Orchestra, Mezzanine and Balcony levels, and its design features 14 theater boxes over those levels. Currently there are nine Resident Companies at the theater: Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Concertante, Harrisburg Choral Society, Harrisburg Opera Association, Market Square Concerts, Susquehanna Chorale, Theatre Harrisburg and The Wednesday Club. Sunoco Performance Theater is generously supported by Sunoco, Inc.
[edit] History
In 1993, a small group of dedicated community leaders from the Harrisburg area began to meet and received generous grants from the City of Harrisburg and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for the establishment of the Whitaker Center. Other forward-thinking individuals, foundations and corporations began to provide gifts to the under the honorary chairmanship of Alex Grass.
In September, 1997, ground was broken on the corner of Third and Market Streets in the heart of Downtown Harrisburg and the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts, a $52.7 million public-private partnership, was born.
The Whitaker Foundation and the Helen F. Whitaker Fund have contributed over $8 million to the center. Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts is named in memory of the founder of AMP Incorporated, Uncas A. Whitaker and his wife Helen F. Whitaker, in recognition of these grants.
The National Science Foundation awarded Whitaker Center a major grant in support of a permanent exhibit for the new Science Center. "Bodies In Motion: The Physics of Dance" will explore the physics of human movement, especially dance, gymnastics and ice-skating. This is one of the flagship exhibits for the Science Center whose overarching theme is science through the arts.
Mayor Stephen R. Reed, an integral part of this project from day one, has proudly referred to Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts as "Harrisburg's Crown Jewel".
