Crowds of curious families, friends, and neuroscience enthusiasts gathered at Pacific Science Center in Seattle to explore their amazing brains at the second annual BrainFest.

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authors

Claire Weichselbaum

Education & Engagement Specialist III

Exploring the brain in Seattle

Have you ever wondered how you wonder? On March 15, 2025, crowds of curious families, friends, and neuroscience enthusiasts gathered at Pacific Science Center (PacSci) in Seattle to explore their amazing brains at the second annual BrainFest. With the help of 150 volunteers from Allen Institute and other local STEM institutions, this event co-hosted by Allen Institute and PacSci reached over 3,400 visitors of all ages. The day included hands-on activities, live presentations, exhibit takeovers, and more. Kids and adults alike were able to meet neuroscientists, try scientific equipment, learn about cutting-edge neuroscience research, and even touch a real brain!

Photo highlights

Seeing brains through a microscope

Child examining microscope with monitor display at night science exhibit event

BrainFest attendees examined real human brain and mouse brain tissue, magnified through a microscope.

Modeling neurons

Children explore neuron building activity at interactive science museum exhibit

Allen Institute scientists shared how to represent the shape and parts of neurons including axons, dendrites, and the soma with pipe cleaners.

Recording the body's electrical signaling

Museum educator in overalls demonstrates interactive science exhibit to engaged children indoors.

Using electromyography, BrainFest attendees were able to visualize the electrical signals sent from their brain to their muscles.

Brain science can be puzzling

Children solving a colorful map puzzle together on a blue wall during an interactive learning activity. — *Photo by Emily Jeung / PacSci.*

BrainFest attendees assemble a large magnetic puzzle depicting 3D reconstructions of actual neurons from Allen Institute’s electron microscopy data.

Touching real brains

Researchers in colored gloves examining a brain model during scientific demonstration — *Photo by Emily Jeung / PacSci.*

Researchers from the University of Washington provided opportunities to see, and touch, human brains donated for research and education purposes.

Human brain dissection

Presenters on stage discussing artwork displayed on large projection screen behind them

Dr. Kate Mulligan (UW School of Medicine) and Dr. Claire Weichselbaum (Allen Institute) led attendees in exploring the fascinating anatomy of the brain through a narrated dissection.

Citations

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about the allen institute

The Allen Institute is an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit research organization founded by philanthropist and visionary, the late Paul G. Allen. The Allen Institute is dedicated to answering some of the biggest questions in bioscience and accelerating research worldwide. The Institute is a recognized leader in large-scale research with a commitment to an open science model. For more information, visit alleninstitute.org.