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Mission Statement
The mission of the Science Center is to be an innovative science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) based learning center providing exciting and engaging facilities and programming meant to inspire and stimulate the imagination of the children, families, school/youth groups, and the individuals we serve.
Organization Description
The Science Center is a not-for-profit science and technology museum. Our previous location in downtown Cedar Rapids was damaged by the flood in June 2008. We have relocated to Lindale Mall with two spaces, the Main Level Exhibit Gallery and the Lower Level Education Center. We offer hands-on programming for individuals, families, groups, and scouts, both on-site at Lindale and off-site throughout Eastern Iowa.
Our History
The Science Center started in an historic brick structure built in 1917 as a fire station. The building was used as a fire station until 1985. When the city moved the fire crew and equipment to another site, Junior League of Cedar Rapids Inc. undertook a major fundraising drive to renovate the building into a public hands-on science museum. The Science Center opened to the public in 1986 and was a three-year project for Junior League after which it was turned over to the community. The firemen's pole remains on the main floor.
In October of 2000, the Science Center opened the Alliant Energy Gallery. This 13,500 sq. ft. building included a main level that expanded the exhibit areas and housed the museum's administrative offices.
The McLeod/Busse IMAX® Dome Theatre building opened on March 30, 2001, and screened the last film on January 20, 2008.
After the devastating flood of June 2008, we moved both our Education Center and our Exhibit Gallery to Lindale Mall, where we currently operate. |
