New Museum Aims to Engage 300,000 Visitors Annually with Hands-On STEM Learning

Sterling, VA — Construction has officially begun on the highly anticipated Northern Virginia Science Center, a major new addition to Loudoun County's cultural and educational landscape. The interactive science museum, located in the Kincora mixed-use development in Sterling, is being developed through a collaboration between the Northern Virginia Science Center Foundation and the Science Museum of Virginia.

With strong support from both public and private sectors, the project is expected to serve more than 300,000 visitors annually, offering interactive exhibits, immersive experiences, and hands-on STEM learning opportunities for children and adults alike.

The new facility will span 70,000 square feet, featuring dynamic exhibit spaces, classrooms, and outdoor educational areas. Designed by HGA, a national leader in museum and cultural architecture, the science center aims to become a landmark destination that fosters curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning.

“This is more than just a museum,” said a representative from the Northern Virginia Science Center Foundation. “It’s a regional hub for science engagement and a critical investment in future generations who will lead innovation and discovery in our communities.”

As designer and architect of record, HGA is incorporating sustainable and future-forward design principles throughout the project. The firm’s approach includes selecting materials with low embodied carbon, maximizing energy efficiency, and integrating outdoor features such as pollinator gardens to support biodiversity and serve as educational tools.

General contractor Balfour Beatty is managing construction and working closely with HGA to deliver the project using sustainable practices and efficient timelines.

“We’re proud to help bring this vision to life,” said a spokesperson from Balfour Beatty. “From educational value to environmental stewardship, this project is aligned with the values that shape how we build today and for the future.”

The science center will be a cornerstone of the broader Kincora development, a 424-acre live-work-play community that includes residential units, office space, and public green areas. Planners see the museum as a catalyst for both economic and cultural growth in Loudoun County and the greater Northern Virginia region.

In addition to its permanent exhibits, the center will host traveling exhibitions, seasonal programs, and collaborative projects with local schools, universities, and nonprofit organizations. Its emphasis on STEM education and community engagement is expected to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.

Construction is now underway, with the science center projected to open its doors to the public in the coming years.

Originally reported by Connectcre.