In anticipation of the Spark Science Center opening in early 2026, we have begun introducing STEAM programs at The Grace Museum!
NEW: Check out our new renderings for Spark Science Center below!
What is Spark Science Center?
Spark Science Center is a second location of The Grace Museum that serves as a new, interactive, exhibit space with a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) focus. This space provides engaging learning experiences for all ages and includes both permanent and traveling exhibits for visitors to enjoy. There is also a special emphasis on careers in STEAM related fields to inspire future education and career pathways.
What is included in the facility?
From the walls to the hallways, the whole facility will be geared to foster excitement, promote curiosity, grow problem-solving skills, and broaden understanding. Spark Science Center will host permanent and temporary interactive exhibits in 6,500 sq. ft. of indoor space, with an additional 8,000 sq. ft. of outdoor space to learn and play.
How will these exhibits differ from those at The Grace Museum?
Within The Grace Museum is an interactive art space called Spark Imagination and an interactive history space called Spark Connection. Spark Science Center at Abilene Heritage Square has been intentionally designed to incorporate all the elements of STEAM. Spark Science Center’s interactives will include a wide range of STEAM-related content providing new and different learning opportunities for visitors.
What types of interactives will be featured?
With an emphasis on science and technology, the focus will be on exploring these five categories:
- Engineering and Technology
- Biology and Medicine
- Energy and Physics
- Chemistry and Environment
- Space and Astronomy
These will include exhibits about dinosaurs, space, simple machines, weather, and more!
Spark Science Center Exhibits
The Grace Museum is excited to open a satellite campus called Spark Science Center within Abilene Heritage Square. As a Nationally Accredited Museum, The Grace holds the highest standards of excellence in exhibitions, collections, finances, programming, and staff. Spark Science Center will maintain that standard of excellence while shifting focus to STEAM education. It will include 6,500 sq. ft. of indoor space and over 8,000 sq. ft. of outdoor space, as well as being perfectly situated next to the new main branch of the Abilene Public Library.
- Dinosaurs
- Dinosaur Footprints
- Medical Discoveries
- West Texas Wild Plants & Animals
- The Human Body
- What's In A Microscope
- Weather Wonder
- Weathering & Erosion
- Wind Vortex
- What's In The Dirt
- Table Of Elements
- Recycling & Upcyling
- Everyday Chemistry
- Simple Machines
- Circuit Building
- Technology Through The Ages
- Architecture: Interactive Building
- Energy: Renewable Sources
- The Physics Of Flight
- What Is Physics?
- Everyday Physics
- Physics & Problem Solving
- Physicists That Changed The World
- The Night Sky
- McDonald Observatory Connections
- How Big Is Our Universe?
- How To Stargaze
- The Solar System
- Light Pollution