The Da Vinci Science Center plans to open its new Downtown Allentown location in spring 2024.

Officials announced today that the $65 million, 67,000 square foot facility in the 800 block of Hamilton Street will be called the Da Vinci Science Center at the PPL Pavilion. The three-floor structure will contain 30,000 square feet of exhibit space and room for traveling exhibits.

Speaking at today's announcement from the existing Da Vinci Science Center on the Cedar Crest College campus, Mayor Ray O'Connell said, "The new science center will play a pivotal role in the next phase of development in downtown Allentown.  It will position Allentown as a family-friendly, day-out and night-out destination for visitors from the greater Lehigh Valley and beyond. For Allentown businesses, this means a steady stream of visitors to our revitalized downtown where they also will spend dollars in our restaurants and stores."

Alvin H. Butz Inc. is the construction manager for the project. Ground is expected to be broken next spring.

Da Vinci is halfway toward completing a total $72 million fundraising campaign for the center, which includes a U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development loan of $5.6 million guaranteed by the city.

An estimated 60 new full-time jobs will be created at the new downtown center.

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Rendering: Da Vinci Science Center