MUSEUM OF SCIENCE

 

Science Park
617-723-2500
www.mos.org

Although the Museum of Science might be dubbed Children’s Museum Two, it does have a lot going for it. Many of the displays are hands-on which is why the Museum is such a magnet for kids (or is it their parents?), but adults jump right in and learn by doing alongside the young ones. This is strictly (or almost) hard science here – don’t look for displays of stuffed animals. If you must see creatures, a small Live Animal Center is located on the lower level of the red section.

The Museum is easy to navigate. Hallways are ample in size and the exhibit sections are color-coded for easy reference. Green is for life (naturally): human and otherwise. Blue contains electricity, machines, geology, dinosaurs (well, they aren’t alive anymore), a tropical rainforest, greenhouse, math, and more. There are regular live presentations in the Exhibit Halls throughout the day, as well as temporary exhibits. "Interpreters" are scattered throughout to answer questions or explain difficult concepts. Many exhibits are of the traditional look-and-learn type, rather than hands-on.

The Museum of Science is a fun place for adults and children both. With over 600 permanent exhibits and a development crew actively creating new ones, there’s plenty to learn, or to just plain look at if you’re simply the viewing type. If you’ve never put your hand on a Van de Graaff generator, now’s your chance to experience safely the awesome feel of electricity coursing through your body. Find the generator in the Theater of Electricity.

The Computer Museum, formerly located on Museum Wharf, recently agreed to merge with the Museum of Science. Some of its exhibits should be turning up here in the fall of 1999.

In addition to the exhibits, the Museum offers further options for exploring our universe: the Omni Theater with its IMAX technology; and the Hayden Planetarium. The Planetarium offers two options for stellar viewing. You can catch a traditional star cast on its dome, or, on Thursday through Sunday evenings, view a laser show accompanied by music. The Museum also houses the Gilliland Observatory on its roof, open to the stars on Friday nights and the sun on Saturdays.

Noise is not a big factor since the size of the main hall muffles voices and the patter of feet. This Museum is meant to be interactive – come here expecting to learn.

The Museum has a food court and an extensive gift shop, and most importantly, its own parking garage. Call ahead for Omni or Planetarium tickets, or reserve them through the Internet.

 

Hours:

Saturday – Thursday: 9 – 5.

Friday: 9 – 9

Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Admission:

Adults: $10.00

Children 3-11: $7.00

Seniors: $7.00

Omni Theater and Hayden Planetarium

Adults: $7.50

Children 3-11: $5.50

Seniors: $5.50