Pacific Science Center opened in 1962, during the Space Race, and in correlation with the Seattle World’s Fair. Originally, it was named the United States Science Pavilion and its famous arches and the interior of the building were even featured in an Elvis movie (It Happened at the World’s Fair). On October 22, 1962, the day after the World’s Fair closed, the pavilion re-opened as the Pacific Science Center. Architect Minoru Yamasaki, who would go on to design the Rainier Bank Building in Seattle and New York’s first World Trade Center, designed the arches, courtyard pool, and cement buildings. He borrowed from Gothic cathedrals, but strove to reflect the spirit of the era: innovation inspired by history. In 2010 Pacific Science Center was designated a Seattle Historic Landmark. It was the first museum in the United States to be dedicated entirely to science and technology. (Adapted from the Pacific Science Center website)