Herrett Center
4.8(145)google
5.0(6)yelp
SciencePlanetariumEducationalFamily
Overview
The Herrett Center for Arts and Science, located on the main campus of the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls, Idaho, United States, is a museum of anthropology, natural history, astronomy, and art. The museum's collections primarily comprise anthropological artifacts and natural history specimens from the Americas, as well as works of local artists. The Center also houses the Faulkner Planetarium, the Centennial Observatory, a museum store, and a 2900 square foot (269 square meter) multi-purpose event space.
Practical Info
MonClosed
Tue9:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Wed9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Thu9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Fri9:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Sat1:00 – 9:00 PM
SunClosed
Suggested Duration1.5-2.5 hours
Best TimeAn outstanding year-round indoor anthropological center. Visiting between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM on weekdays is highly recommended for a quiet gallery walk to admire ancient Mayan artifacts and prehistoric mammoth tusks. Friday and Saturday evenings are also a prime time to catch an immersive, high-definition star and laser show at the Faulkner Planetarium.
Getting TherePerched gracefully on the northeastern corner of the College of Southern Idaho (CSI) campus. By car, drive north on Blue Lakes Blvd N, turn left onto Falls Ave, and head onto North College Road into the campus grid. The venue features its own sprawling, fully paved surface parking lot directly out front that is completely free for all museum guests.
Travel Tips
- Positioned on the CSI campus, the center's planetarium wings close Sundays and Mondays; secure dome seat tickets early as occupancy is tightly limited.
- Weekday morning hours draw a continuous stream of large regional public school field trips; delay solo exploration until 14:00 to avoid chaotic halls.
Photo Tips
Photo Rules
- The galleries house highly sensitive pre-Columbian pottery; deployment of camera tripods, monopods, or high-intensity LED flash bursts is strictly illegal.
Reviews
Positive
- Sited beautifully on the CSI campus, stocking excellent archaeology and natural history pieces, notably Maya and Native American artifacts.
- The on-site Faulkner Planetarium is spectacular, flashing cutting-edge digital dome shows with stunning deep-space visuals.
- Highly peaceful and elegant environment; staff are exceptionally warm, forming an awesome indoor learning cradle for children.
- Exhibition galleries are free to the public (planetarium asks a tiny fee) and shares ample free campus parking; unbeatable value.
Heads up
- Operating hours are highly restrictive: firmly shut Sundays/Mondays, and closes quite early on weekdays; plan carefully.
- As a regional college facility, the footprint is limited; excluding the dome show, a casual look at exhibits lasts only 45 minutes.
- Lacks any cafe, snack counter, or food lounge; guests seeking refreshments must walk deep into the outer campus to find dining.
- Legacy display cases are older, relying on static glass frames and printed texts without multi-sensory touch tech for young toddlers.