Exploring the Museum of Science is always an exciting experience. The museum is one of the most prestigious attractions in Boston, Massachusetts.
It is located on Charles River in Cambridge and attracts millions of visitors each year.
Fun Facts about the Museum of Science
- What’s great about the museum is the fact that the exhibits are interactive.
- It has over 700 exhibits.
- The exhibits focus on different areas including artificial intelligence, nano technology, engineering, astronomy, live animals, artic adventures and much more.
- The museum has an exhibit, Exploring AI: Making the Invisible Visible, that allows visitors learn more about ai.
- It houses the Charles Hayden Planetarium, which is one of the most advanced planetariums in the United States.
- The museum’s Lightning exhibit uses the world’s largest air-insulated Van de Graaff generator to create dramatic indoor lightning strikes.
Admission and Visiting Details
- Admission:
- General Admission: Adults $31, Children (Ages 3-11) $26, Seniors $27.
- Special exhibits, Omni Films ($6), 4-D Films ($6), and planetarium tickets ($6), are sold separately.
- Visiting the Museum at a Discount: One way you can visit the Museum at a discounted rate is by obtaining a Boston CityPASS ticket. The ticket allows you to visit four different museums including the Museum of Science. With the CityPASS ticket you can visit the New England Aquarium, and get admission to two or more attractions of your choice.
- Hours: The museum is typically open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with extended hours on weekends and holidays.
- Tickets: Advance booking is recommended, especially for special exhibits and events.
What It’s Like to Visit
When you walk into the Blue Wing, on the lower level of the museum, you will notice several dinosaurs including a Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops.
The Triceratops is called Cliff. It gets its name from the grandfather of its anonymous donor.
Cliff is one of only four nearly complete Triceratops on public display anywhere in the world.
When Cliff was originally discovered, it had some missing parts including its feet, leg, rib, and vertebral bones.
It was remodeled with cast replacement bones, so visitors can see the Triceratops skeleton as it would have looked when the living creature roamed the earth.
The museum also houses a full-size Tyrannosaurus rex model. It was originally created in the 1960s and was based on the existing evidence: three very incomplete skeletons.
In 2001, it was remodeled to portray a more accurate model, which is now on display at the Museum.
A visit to the Museum of Science is not only entertaining but it is very educational.
You have so many collections to explore and activities to try out.
You can visit exhibits like the Hall of Human Life, which examines health and biology, or the Butterfly Garden, an indoor tropical garden with live butterflies.
There is also the planetarium where you can see indoor lightning shows and displays across the museum where you can create your very own electricity!
The museum is a great place to take children as there are so many interactive activities.
On weekdays, you will see school groups visiting this space.
Children can play with the lighting exhibits and train sets.
The Museum has opened it’s All Aboard! Trains at Science Park exhibit. These new trains include several new interactives trains in a wintry environment.
There are also areas with swings for younger children.
Tips for Visiting
- Plan Ahead: It’s a good idea to check the schedule for live demonstrations, planetarium shows, and special exhibits. You can see the daily scheduled events for the Museum of Science here.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: You definitely would be doing a lot of walking if you visit this museum, so wear comfortable shoes. It’s a large space with loads to explore!
- Budget Extra Time: There’s so much to see and do that a half-day visit might not be enough.
- Robotic Dog from Boston Dynamics: If you look around the museum, chances are you would run into a robotic dog.
- Dining Options: The museum is located near Charles River and as such there are many places you can grab something to eat.
Nearby Attractions
The Museum of Science is close to other notable attractions like Boston Common and Public Garden, MIT Museum, and Beacon Hill.
Parking at the Museum
If you are driving down to the museum, you have a few options for parking your car.
The Museum has a multi-level parking garage. It also has overflow parking. There are also other parking garages nearby.
Transportation to the Museum
You can get to the Museum by public transportation, biking, or walking.
The Museum of Science is conveniently located near several public transit options like the MBTA (T) and other buses.
Several MBTA bus routes stop near the Museum of Science, including Routes 47, 47A, 57, and 57A.
The Museum of Science is bike-friendly and provides bike racks near the entrance for those who wish to cycle.
If you are staying in the West End or Beacon Hill areas, the museum is a 15-minute walk from North Station or the West End.
Where to Stay
You’ll find a wide range of accommodation options nearby. It all depends on your budget. There are hotels and other short-term accommodation options nearby.
Best Time for Exploring the Museum of Science
The best time to visit the museum is in the mornings or on weekdays as it tends to be less crowdy.
There are larger crowds during the holiday seasons or when schools are closed.
Also check to see if there are any special exhibits going on as those tend to attract more visitors.
Have you visited the Museum of Science? What was your experience like? Let us know if you are planning to visit or if you have some additional tips for visitors.
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