Construction on a new 400,000-square-foot Ontario Science Centre is officially underway in downtown Toronto. The provincial government broke ground on the waterfront facility, which is slated to open at the revitalized Ontario Place in 2029.

Earlier this year, the government unveiled a final design that showcases a new mainland building for programming, exhibitions and immersive visitor experiences, including hands-on exhibits and educational workshops. Upgraded pods will create new science-themed experiences. Renovations to the Cinesphere include acoustic enhancements to its IMAX theatre and a complete interior and exterior revitalization that will double the current seating capacity.

Surrounding the site, visitors can expect more than 50 acres of public trails, expanded green space, playgrounds, interactive fountains, new beaches, event spaces, a modernized marina and the redesigned RBC Amphitheatre.

The contract to design, build, finance and maintain the new facility has been awarded to the Ontario Science Partners, a collaboration that includes Hariri Pontarini Architects.