Boston Museum of Science

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The most visited cultural institution in all of New England, Boston’s Museum of Science has a rich history of its own to share with people of all ages. The museum is located in the aptly-names Science Park on the Banks of the Charles River and offers visitors over 500 different interactive exhibits to entertain and educate them about science and technology in an effort to transform our relationship with this important aspect of our culture.

History/About the Boston Museum of Science

Not only is the Museum of Science one of the most popular attractions in Boston, it is also one of the oldest. In fact, the origins of the museum that millions of people visit each year can be traced all the way back to 1830 and the formation of the Boston Society of Natural History. This organization, which simply consisted of a group of men interested in science, slowly grew and morphed throughout the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries. The society finally established as a physical presence near MIT’s Rogers Building in 1862, calling their location the New England Museum of Natural History and, later, the Boston Museum of Natural History, until moving in the 1940s to its present location.

Despite its deep roots, the Museum of Science of today was truly established in 1948 with the construction of its current home in Science Park. The museum was called the Boston Museum of Science at the time and officially opened its doors 1951, breaking ground as the first all-encompassing museum dedicated to science in the United States and possibly the world.

From its start in Science Park, the Museum of Science has been a leader in brining innovative ideas and attractions to New England and remains the largest museum of its kind in the region. Additions to the museum include the noted Charles Hayden Planetarium debuted in 1958, its associated “travelling” planetarium show can be traced back to the early 1950s and still visits area schools. In addition, the Mugar Omni IMAX Theatre opened in 1987, and, the most recent addition, the Computer Museum, joined the larger institution in 1999.

Today, the museum campus, which is literally spread over the Charles River, features three, distinct, color-coded “wings” that display everything from live animals (the museum is a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquarium) to hands-on lessons about mechanics, electricity, and engineering.

In addition to its role as a leading cultural institution in New England, the Museum of Science is also heavily invested in the promotion of science education in the country and world. Partnering with everyone from Harvard Health Care to Microsoft, the Museum of Science offers monetary awards to scientific innovators, detailed field trip opportunities for every grade level as well as homeschooled students, and leading-edge teacher development programs, including in-service opportunities for student-teachers.

Boston Museum of Science: The Main Attraction

The Museum of Science’s commitment to education makes planning a trip to the facility easy no matter one’s interests or goals. The museum offers curriculum-specific tours and activities that kids and their parents can use to enhance learning outside of school. There are also daily live shows and presentations at the Planetarium and New England’s only domed IMAX Theatre as well as throughout the museum and its exhibits.

Admission is tiered according to your group’s time and interests. General admission grants access to all exhibits, but planetarium shows, the IMAX experience, the Butterfly Garden, and 3-D Digital Cinema are all priced separately. Adult tickets are required for all persons aged 12-59, child tickets cover those 3-11, and senior tickets are available for those 60+. There are also may be an opportunity to view rotational (travelling) science exhibits that may require additional admission charges as well.

The museum is open daily with enhanced hours during the busy summer months. It is closed only on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. There is a museum store and café on premises as well.

Why the Boston Museum of Science is a Must-See

The number of people who visit the Museum of Science in Boston each year is staggering considering the relative popularity of all of this city’s cultural attractions. However, that number should only encourage visitors to the area of the true value of making this stop. With the heartfelt mission of making science interesting and accessible to all people, this is an absolute can’t-miss New England attraction.

Where to Buy Boston Museum of Science Tickets

There are a number of ways you can enjoy admission to this attraction.

Pay Full Price and purchase a ticket from Boston Museum of Science either online or in person.

Save up to 20% online at Smart Destinations. If you add more than one attraction to the cart, you will get an automatic savings of up to 20%. It’s called Make Your Own Pass.

Purchase a Tourist pass. The Boston Museum of Science is available on the Go Boston Card and Boston CityPass.