Construction of the Northern Virginia Science Center reached a significant milestone as Balfour Beatty and the Northern Virginia Science Center Foundation celebrated the project’s topping out ceremony on November 12, 2025. The event marked the placement of the final structural steel beam—an important tradition in construction that honors the progress, teamwork, and craftsmanship behind a major build.
Held on-site in Sterling, Virginia, the ceremony brought together project partners, contractors, and supporters to recognize the collective effort that has brought this transformative regional destination for STEM learning one step closer to reality.
“Today’s topping out ceremony is an important milestone in the construction of the Northern Virginia Science Center, a project that is a perfect example of how public and private interests can join together to create a community resource that will impact residents for decades to come,” said Rich Conti, Chief Wonder Officer at the Science Museum of Virginia.
Nene Spivy, Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Virginia Science Center Foundation, emphasized the collaboration that made this milestone possible. “Today we celebrate the unwavering dedication of many to reach this major milestone,” she said. “Thank you to our partners, vendors, and every supporter along the way. We would especially like to thank Balfour Beatty for their commitment, craftsmanship, and special care of this project.”
Since breaking ground in March 2025, Balfour Beatty has worked closely with the Science Museum of Virginia and the Northern Virginia Science Center Foundation to bring the vision for the Science Center to life. Reaching this stage required significant effort and coordination, including the placement of 700 tons of structural steel, pouring 5,500 cubic yards of concrete, and installing 325 foundations.
To put the scale of construction into perspective, the total weight of the steel and rebar used for the building is roughly equivalent to 20 female humpback whales. The largest steel beam alone weighs 1.74 tons, about the same as a full-grown female hippopotamus. Even the site’s 300-foot-long retaining wall rivals nearly twice the width of the Washington Commanders’ playing field.
Located on donated land within the Kincora development, the 70,000-square-foot Northern Virginia Science Center will include five themed galleries, a flexible multipurpose space, a public atrium, and outdoor educational areas. Designed to spark curiosity and inspire innovation, the Science Center will serve children, families, and learners of all ages across the region through hands-on experiences and community engagement.
“This milestone is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our project team and partners,” said David Chachu, Vice President of Operations for Balfour Beatty in the Mid-Atlantic. “We are proud to be delivering a facility that will ignite a passion for science and discovery in future generations and serve as a catalyst for lifelong learning in this region.”
With the building structure and both exterior and interior framing now substantially complete, construction is moving into the next phase: interior buildout. The Northern Virginia Science Center building is scheduled for completion in 2026, with doors expected to open to the public in 2027.
