In a significant architectural endeavor, the renowned firms Hariri Pontarini Architects and Snøhetta have been tasked with crafting the new Ontario Science Centre in the vibrant city of Toronto. This ambitious project is set to transform the Ontario Place mainland into a dynamic, year-round destination, reinforcing its civic identity and continuing its legacy as a hub for public learning, innovation, and recreation.
Details of the New Ontario Science Centre Project
Announced in February 2026, the comprehensive 400,000-square-foot facility will feature a striking 220,000-square-foot main building, distinguished by a series of gracefully scalloped, modular volumes. A pivotal aspect of the design involves the thoughtful integration of the existing Pods and the iconic Cinesphere. This integration will be achieved through elevated connections and a continuous public promenade, fostering a cohesive campus where new construction harmonizes with heritage structures. The design concept draws inspiration from celestial constellations, employing astronomical patterns as a guiding principle to unify the project's diverse components. Programmatic elements are envisioned as a collection of 'molecules' or modules, clustering together to create immersive indoor and outdoor environments. This vision manifests in a massing composition defined by undulating and arced silhouettes, producing a rhythmic exterior that adjusts scale, frames captivating views of Lake Ontario and the city skyline, and establishes a distinctive architectural presence along the shoreline.
Internally, the Science Centre is designed to offer an experiential journey of scientific discovery. Vertical and horizontal pathways will intricately weave through exhibition halls, interactive installations, and educational spaces, encouraging a seamless flow between programs and public movement. Transparency throughout the levels will aid orientation and maintain visual continuity, while moments of compression and expansion will artfully articulate the galleries, enhancing the visitor's sense of wonder. Through this strong emphasis on connectivity, the architectural design directly supports the institution's core mission: to ignite curiosity and foster discovery.
The surrounding public realm will extend the architectural concept outdoors, incorporating thoughtfully landscaped plazas, pathways, and ecological interventions. These elements will seamlessly connect the Science Centre to the broader grounds of Ontario Place, making the waterfront an accessible and inviting civic landscape capable of accommodating both daily use and grand cultural events. This project is being delivered by Infrastructure Ontario in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, following an open procurement process initiated in 2024. The development is committed to achieving high standards in energy performance and environmental sustainability, ensuring a future-forward and responsible design.
The selection of Hariri Pontarini Architects and Snøhetta for this prestigious project underscores a commitment to architectural excellence and innovative design. The new Ontario Science Centre is poised to become a landmark institution, fostering scientific exploration and community engagement for generations to come, while also enhancing Toronto's magnificent waterfront.