Celestia is a suspended vertical sculpture in the Peirce Atrium of the Kamin Science Center that offers a breathtaking visualization of the known universe, inviting viewers into a cosmic journey from the moment they enter the public lobby. Hovering gracefully in the open atrium, the artwork is composed of thousands of colorful anodized aluminum elements, each representing clusters of individual galaxies. These lightweight, luminous pieces form cascading auroras of celestial data, floating mid-air like a frozen moment in space and time. As viewers ascend the surrounding ramps that spiral up three floors, they experience an evolving perspective—each level revealing new patterns, colors, and clusters within the celestial whole.

Date: Opening 2027
Location: Kamin Science Center - 1 Allegheny Ave, Pittsburgh, PA (formerly the Carnegie Science Center)
Client: Carnegie Museums
Dimensions: 75’ x 12’ x 40’ Tall
Materials: Aluminum, Stainless Steel cabling

Lead Artists: Jason Kelly Johnson & Nataly Gattegno
Artist Team: Chris Leo, Ki Schmidt, Jared Elizares, Brian McKinney, Natalie Abbott
Scientific Advisor: Michael Wood-Vasey, University of Pittsburgh, Department of Physics and Astronomy link; Staff at the Buhl Planetarium and Observatory link

Artwork Structural Engineer: ARUP; Interior Architect: R3A; Contractor: Turner Construction