[3] Designed by the architect firm Arquitectonica[4] with structural engineers Carl Johnson and Svend Nielsen,[5] it has become a visual landmark due to its ten-story solar array cube that stands over Interstate 5.

In the mid-1990s, prior to construction, a smaller "beta" version of the science center called Launch Pad operated in South Coast Plaza.

Future phases include a Life Sciences Hall, Courtyard of Learning and Living, Environmental Pavilion, an IMAX theater, and a "green" parking facility.

[13][14] The center is divided into several themed areas: Science of Hockey, Dino Quest, Rocket Lab, Air & Space, Eco Challenge, Dynamic Earth,[15] Quake Zone, and the Showcase Gallery which houses traveling exhibits.

[16] Some of the available exhibits at the museum include Dino Quest, an interactive work which opened in 2006 and includes life-size dinosaurs;[17][18] and Science of Hockey, which opened in 2009 and presents the various scientific aspects behind the game of ice hockey with the help of the Anaheim Ducks franchise.