This Interactive Art and Science Center in South Dakota Is the Perfect Destination to Beat the Summer Heat

Right in the heart of downtown Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Washington Pavilion is a shining beacon illustrating how science, art, and history intertwine. Housed in the original Washington High School, this stately structure, built from Sioux quartzite, has evolved into a dynamic destination that attracts thousands of annual visitors who come to learn in a hands-on environment. It's one of the best places to visit in South Dakota to beat the summer heat.

Utilizing a large-scale performance theatre, various event spaces, and dining facilities, the true soul of the Pavilion lies in the Visual Art Center and the Kirby Science Discovery Center. Cultivating a place where critical thinking and creativity converge, the Washington Pavilion can be enjoyed by children, families, tourists, and lifelong learners alike.

A Playground for the Curious: The Kirby Science Discovery Center

The best place to start during your visit to The Kirby Science Discovery Center. This multi-level, vibrant environment doesn’t just teach science; you get to experience it firsthand. Visitors can explore more than 100 interactive exhibits, featuring a diverse range of topics including geology, physics, weather patterns, and space travel.  

Young visitors can experiment with magnetic fields, test engineering designs, and even launch rockets. Their adult counterparts can rediscover past passions through the wonder of learning, facilitated by tactile play and observation.  

The Wells Fargo CineDome and Sweetman Planetarium are equipped with cutting-edge digital technology. The Wells Fargo CineDome features short films that bring Tyrannosaurus rex to life, and the Planetarium offers fantastic shows that take visitors from the depths of the ocean to the surface of Mars. On special nights, they offer viewings of classic Hollywood films, live space launches, and stargazing date nights. 

A Space to Reflect: The Visual Arts Center

Located steps away from the Kirby Science Discovery Center, the Visual Arts Center offers an aesthetic experience, showcasing works by local, regional, and internationally renowned artists.  Minimalist and sleek, the gallery allows the art to take center stage.  The gallery rotates its exhibitions regularly, often including abstract sculpture, historical retrospectives, photography, and Indigenous art.  

One of its most celebrated collections is the Northern Plains Tribal Art exhibit, which showcases ceremonial pieces, paintings, and intricate beadwork rooted in Native traditions. This exhibit honors the Indigenous heritage of the region while invoking reflection on its place in contemporary art museums.   From time to time, the Visual Arts Center also hosts traveling exhibitions featuring contemporary American artists, as well as past artists such as Andy Warhol, Ansel Adams, and Auguste Rodin, bringing world-class art and adventure to the Sioux Falls community.

Bridging Disciplines and Inspiring Discovery Beyond the Walls 

The community's commitment is evident through programs like “Off the Fridge,” where children’s artwork is displayed in a professional exhibition setting for public viewing. This helps to foster the development of the arts in the classroom and supports young and up-and-coming artists.   

The convergence of art and science within a single, unique venue reflects a broad vision of education that values imagination as much as information. For families, this unmatched museum allows children to marvel at the laws of physics and appreciate the power of visual storytelling. For those visiting South Dakota’s largest city, it’s a window into the world of cultural life on the prairie.  

For over 25 years, the Washington Pavilion has been a regional leader in creativity, innovation, and education. No matter the reason for your visit, it's a place to spend a meaningful afternoon that offers a journey into the mind and leaves a lasting impression.

Visit Washington Pavilion's website for hours, current exhibits, and more information. Do you have a favorite place to go in South Dakota to beat the summer heat? We'd love to hear about it!