Kamin Science Center Celebrates the Grand Opening of Sports360 Exhibition

 

Kamin Science Center – formerly Carnegie Science Center and Pittsburgh’s most visited museum – will celebrate the grand opening of Sports360, its newest and largest long-term exhibition, with a Family-Friendly Tailgate Celebration on Sat., Dec. 13. The launch marks the first major exhibition opening since the museum unveiled its new identity this fall, powered by a historic $65 million gift from Dan and Carole Kamin – the largest in Carnegie Museums’ 130-year history.   A New Era, A New Exhibit When the museum announced its transition to the Daniel G. and Carole L. Kamin Science Center in September 2025, it signaled the beginning of a bold new era. That announcement revealed the museum’s plans for nine new exhibitions and experiences that will reimagine more than 75% of the Science Center’s exhibit spaces. Sports360 exhibition is the latest of those new experiences to open, ushering in an unprecedented period of growth that will continue through 2026 and beyond. “Our mission at the Science Center is to connect people and science, igniting curiosity that endures for a lifetime,” said Jason Brown, Henry Buhl, Jr., director of Kamin Science Center and vice president of Carnegie Museums. “Sports360 is the first major experience to open since we launched our new brand, and it perfectly captures the energy, imagination, and discovery that defines this new era of the Science Center. Sports360 celebrates where curiosity meets competition, and where visitors can experience the science behind movement, play, and hands-on challenges.” About Sports360 Exhibition – Where Curiosity Meets Competition At 9,500 square feet, Sports360 is the largest long-term exhibition at the Science Center. The high-energy experience immerses visitors in the science of athletic performance across football, baseball, hockey, soccer, basketball, and Olympic-inspired sports. Featuring nearly 25 hands-on stations across four zones – Prepare, Practice, Participate, and Go Pro – visitors can: Dash, jump, weave, and race through NFL Combine-inspired challenges Test accuracy, reaction time, and instincts through sports simulators Drive a virtual Zamboni, investigate biomechanics, and experience the physics behind power and motion Discover how athletes train, adapt, and compete Sports360 exhibition is designed for visitors of all ages and abilities, giving everyone a chance to test both their body and brain. Family-Friendly Tailgate Celebration – Sat., Dec. 13 To celebrate the opening of this immersive new exhibition, Kamin Science Center will host a Family-Friendly Tailgate Celebration on Sat., Dec. 13, full of hometown spirit. Visitors will be able to: Take photos with a variety of Pittsburgh mascots, including the Pirate Parrot, Pierogies, Iceburgh, Steely McBeam, and AMO from the Pittsburgh Riverhounds Dance to high-energy music from DJ B-Renn, the official DJ for Pitt football and volleyball Snap selfies with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds’ new USL Championship Trophy Enjoy FREE photobooth photos with a Sports360 exhibit-themed backdrop Engage with hands-on physics demonstrations throughout the museum’s 1st Floor that explore forces, collisions, and motion   Part of a Multi-Year Transformation Rooted in Curiosity   Sports360 is among the first major initiatives made possible by the Kamin family’s transformational $65 million gift — a donation rooted in Dan Kamin’s childhood curiosity and frequent visits to the Buhl Planetarium, where he built his first telescope at age 13.   Upcoming projects that are part of the Kamin Science Center transformation include: Science of Speed (Opening summer 2026): An all-new experience devoted to the physics, engineering, and adrenaline behind the world’s fastest race cars featuring a two-story electric kart track, interactive exhibits, modern and vintage high-performance vehicles, and a racing-inspired lounge and restaurant Peirce Atrium (Opening fall 2026): An interactive exhibition that will fill the museum’s four-story atrium with light, movement, and imagination Responsive Science display (2026): A dynamic new experience exploring the local impacts of climate change in Southwestern Pennsylvania through immersive storytelling and innovative design Building Futures exhibition: A groundbreaking new exhibition spotlighting skilled trades and the science behind some of today’s most in-demand careers North Lot beautification project: A community-focused installation in the museum’s north parking lot with expanded green space and interpretative science displays 1st Floor gallery: A completely new space designed to energize visitors with interactive and engaging experiences Early Learners space: A new 4th Floor exhibition designed specifically for young explorers to foster curiosity and discovery through age-appropriate science play “These experiences are only the beginning,” said Brown. “The generosity of the Kamin family has given us the opportunity to reimagine what a science museum can be — vibrant, modern, connected to community, and dedicated to igniting curiosity for generations.” Sports360 exhibition is sponsored by the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation, PPG, Pittsburgh Pirates, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Giant Eagle Foundation, Peoples Gas, and the Chuck Noll Foundation.   Carnegie Science Center is now Kamin Science Center. New name, same incredible mission: to Ignite Your Curiosity.

About the Daniel G. and Carole L. Kamin Science Center Kamin Science Center is dedicated to inspiring learning and curiosity by connecting science and technology with everyday life. By making science both relevant and fun, the Science Center’s goal is to increase science literacy in the region and motivate young people to seek careers in science and technology. One of the four Carnegie Museums, the Science Center is Pittsburgh’s premier science exploration destination and the region’s most visited museum, reaching more than 500,000 people annually through its hands-on exhibits, camps, classes, and off-site education programs.   Accessibility: Features for All Kamin Science Center welcomes all visitors. We work to assist visitors with disabilities in obtaining reasonable and appropriate accommodations, and in supporting equal access to services, programs, and activities. We welcome visitors in wheelchairs on the deck of our USS Requin (SS 481) submarine. Below-deck visits require full mobility. Hearing assistance devices are available for the Rangos Giant Cinema. Please ask when you buy your ticket.   Please note that requests for accommodations should be made at least two weeks prior to your visit. For specific questions about wheelchairs, strollers, or other programmatic or equipment needs, see the ticket counter located on the first floor of the main building or contact the Operations Department at 412.237.3400 or Accessibility@KaminScienceCenter.org.