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Province Awards Contract to Build New Ontario Science Centre at Ontario Place

February 26, 2026

New facility will offer more programming space than ever before, incorporating iconic Ontario Place pods and Cinesphere

The Ontario government has unveiled the final design and awarded the contract to build and maintain the new Ontario Science Centre, a major milestone in the province’s plan to transform Ontario Place into a year-round, world-class, family-friendly destination. The new 400,000-square-foot facility will include a state-of-the-art building, integrated pod complex, new interactive exhibits and an improved and upgraded Cinesphere, with more space dedicated to programming than at the previous site. Once completed, as early as 2029, the Science Centre will be a cornerstone of the revitalized Ontario Place, providing new experiences for families, creating more than 1,000 jobs in the construction and tourism sectors, and boosting economic growth across Toronto and the region.

“With state-of-the-art facilities that offer more space for visitors, interactive exhibits and programming, the new Ontario Science Centre will continue five decades of tradition, inspiring the next generation of young people,” said Premier Doug Ford. “As part of the revitalized Ontario Place, the Science Centre will be a historic landmark on Toronto’s waterfront and skyline, attracting millions of visitors a year.”

Designed to inspire the next generation of innovators, the new Science Centre will also elevate Ontario Place as a premier destination for science, education and entertainment and include:

  • A state-of-the-art mainland building designed for dynamic programming, exhibitions and immersive visitor experiences, including hands-on exhibits, learning activities and educational workshops
  • Renovated and enhanced pods, fully modernized to create new science-themed experiences
  • The iconic Cinesphere, upgraded with acoustic enhancements to its world-class IMAX theatre and complete interior and exterior revitalization. It will offer double the seating of the former OMNIMAX Theatre.

“We are proud to present the future home of the Ontario Science Centre, a new facility for a new generation that will explore innovative new approaches and give Ontario families access to world-class science programming,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “By focusing on thoughtful planning and strong design, our government is protecting Ontario’s long-term economic interests and ensuring public infrastructure delivers real benefits for Ontarians.”

As part of the broader revitalization of Ontario Place, the new Cinesphere will help strengthen Ontario’s film and television industry, with technical upgrades, accessibility improvements to the interior and exterior and enhancements to the acoustic performance. These improvements will ensure the Cinesphere remains a modern, accessible standalone venue within Ontario Place, coordinating with the Ontario Science Centre on programming and supporting festivals, events and film-related programming for decades to come.

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