From astronomy to zoology, you'll find it at the Museum of Science, Boston's most-attended cultural attraction. Originally founded in 1830 as the Boston Society of Natural History, the Museum of Science was the first museum to embrace all the sciences under one roof, a concept since adopted by many museums worldwide. The Museum of Science strives to spark curiosity and demonstrate the fun and relevance of science in daily life.
Visitors interact with more than 600 hands-on exhibits and a staff of science interpreters. Keeping the museum's offerings fresh are such temporary exhibits as the Virtual FishTank, which lets visitors create their own fish via 3-D computer graphics and real-time interactive character animation.
Permanent exhibits include the Thomson Theater of Electricity, home of the world's largest Van de Graaff generator and indoor Lightning! demonstrations; the Computer Discovery Space, one of the nation's largest free computer centers; the Discovery Center, for kids 5 years and under; and the Human Body Discovery Space. Also featured are Science Theater performances, the Live Animal Stage, the Charles Hayden Planetarium, the rooftop Gilliland Observatory, and the five-story domed-screen Mugar Omni Theater.
Food options within the museum range from the sandwiches, soups, and salads of Starlite Deli to the Sunday brunch of the Skyline dining room.
Location
The Museum of Science is located where the O'Brien Highway (Route 28) crosses the Charles River. Taking public transportation is a good option, as the museum is 200 yards from the MBTA Science Park station on the Lechmere Green Line. If you choose to drive, the museum has an onsite parking garage that accommodates up to 1,000 cars. Alternate parking often can be found at the CambridgeSide Galleria Mall, just northwest of the museum on Land Boulevard.
Hours of operation
The museum is open daily, closed only on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Exhibit Hall hours are 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Saturday through Thursday; and
9 a.m.–9 p.m. on Friday. Daily hours (except for Fridays) are 9 a.m.–7
p.m. from July
5 to Labor Day, as well as during Massachusetts school vacation weeks.
On Christmas Eve, the museum closes at 2 p.m.
Admission
Adults
Children (3-11)
Seniors (60+)
Exhibit Halls
$12.00
$9.00
$10.00
Omni, Planetarium, and Laser
$8.00
$6.00
$7.00
Omni, Planetarium, and Laser(6 p.m. or later, Sunday-Thursday)
$6.50
$4.50
$5.50
Exhibit Halls + 1 (Omni, Planetarium, or Laser)
$17.00
$13.00
$14.50
Exhibit Halls + 2 (Omni, Planetarium, or Laser)
$22.00
$17.00
$19.00
This attraction participates in the CityPass discount program, which provides access to six popular Boston attractions for $30.25 (adults) and $18.50 (children, ages 3-17). CityPass booklets can be purchased at participating attraction locations or at the CityPass Web site.
Contact information
Call (617) 723-2500 for general information or advance tickets.
Please note
Cost, hours of operation, or other information about this attraction is subject to change without notice. We suggest you confirm with the attraction prior to your visit.
