In September 1997, the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts was established at the cost of $52.7 million public-private partnership, which The Whitaker Foundation and the Helen F. Whitaker Fund have contributed over $8 million to the establishment of the center.

In recognition of these grants, Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts is named in memory of the founder of AMP Incorporated (now TE Connectivity), Uncas A. Whitaker and his wife Helen F. Whitaker.

The National Science Foundation awarded the center a grant in support of a permanent exhibit for the new Science Center.

Select Medical Digital Cinema (formerly Select Medical IMAX Theater) is a large-format cinema arts theater which primarily focuses on educational films. It was an IMAX theater until 2014, when it was upgraded to a more cost-effective digital system.^[1]

Bodies In Motion: The Physics of Dance is another attraction which explores the physics of human movement, especially dance, gymnastics and ice-skating.

Harsco Science Center has three floors and features more than 240 exhibits that explore physical science, natural science, life science, mathematics and technology.

Sunoco Performance Theater showcases 696 seats within the Orchestra, Mezzanine, and Balcony levels. The theater's design features 14 theater boxes over those levels. Currently, there are seven resident companies at the theater: Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Harrisburg Choral Society, Harrisburg Opera Association, Market Square Concerts, Susquehanna Chorale, Theatre Harrisburg and The Wednesday Club.