A new $50 million science education center called Scitopia Chicago is set to open in Washington Park, organizers announced on April 15. The two-story facility will be built next to the Garfield Green Line station at 5437 S. Wabash Ave., aiming to serve as a teen-friendly space with maker labs, dedicated STEM workspaces, and cultural exhibits.
The project is led by Paul Sereno, University of Chicago professor and award-winning paleontologist known for his adventurous approach to science. Sereno said the center will be operated by the Scitopia Foundation and designed by Architecture for Public Benefit. He hopes Scitopia will become “the first zero-energy, carbon-neutral smart facility with Smart Glass,” adding that his team “won’t be cutting corners.” Construction is expected to finish by 2029.
Sereno described the project as a unique opportunity: “What we’re describing is something that hasn’t been done before. We’ve never had maker spaces across the sciences. We’re thinking about STEM in a different way.” The building will include labs for biology, paleontology, media production, and an area called the Imaginarium where teens can experiment and create.
Funding will come from both public and private sources. Sereno said he plans to seek support from city and state agencies, including resources like Park District-built greenhouses and increased security for students using public transit nearby.
Community leaders have expressed support for Scitopia Chicago. Alderman Pat Dowell (3rd) has endorsed the plan along with Cecilia Butler of the Washington Park Residents’ Advocacy Council. Burke Elementary principal Lauren Norwood said she sees it as a genuine investment in local youth: “There are many things that Paul could be doing. But because he cares not only about the content of STEM, he cares about people… Somebody knows this is important, and that it is integral to not only students academic success but to the future of our society.” Youth ambassador Kai Walker also voiced excitement: “I think it would interest them to actually come down there and learn new things so they can become paleontologists, scientists and archeologists.”
The center’s main attraction will be “Lost World,” featuring living plants and animals alongside skeletons from West Africa—including SuperCroc discovered by Sereno decades ago—and a neighborhood museum celebrating local jazz history.
Sereno emphasized reconciliation between institutions like universities and neighborhoods affected by economic inequality or displacement: “That was an eye-opening sort of thing. We’re here to get s— done, and we’re here to change things,” he said.
