Museum of Science
4.7(23K)google
4.1(868)yelp
SciencemuseumInteractiveEducationalFamilyKidsMust-See
Overview
A science museum is a museum devoted primarily to science. Older science museums tended to concentrate on static displays of objects related to natural history, paleontology, geology, industry and industrial machinery, etc. Modern trends in museology have broadened the range of subject matter and introduced many interactive exhibits.
Practical Info
Every day9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration3-6 hours
Best TimeRecommended on non-holiday weekdays between September and April, particularly after 2:00 PM when school field trip groups begin to depart. Visiting on a Friday evening allows you to combine your trip with stunning sunset views over the Charles River from the observatory.
Getting ThereTake the MBTA Green Line to the Science Park/West End station, then walk across the Science Park Bridge for about 3 minutes to the main entrance. For drivers, take Exit 26 from I-93 and park directly in the museum's heavily sheltered multi-level garage.
Travel Tips
- Add-on venues like the Omni Theater, Planetarium, and Butterfly Garden require separate individual tickets which sell out quickly online; reserve them bundled with general admission beforehand.
- The museum's multi-level parking garage regularly hits maximum capacity by 11:00 on weekends; utilize the MBTA Green Line to Science Park Station for an easy 3-minute walk to the entrance.
- The Theater of Electricity live lightning shows run on a restricted daily schedule; space inside is limited and the noise level is intense, so seek edge seating if visiting with sensory-sensitive infants.
Reviews
Positive
- Loaded with hands-on interactive science exhibits, the live theater of electricity (Lightning Show) is visually and acoustically breathtaking, making it perfect for families.
- Accessibility is top-notch across all floors with perfectly planned elevators and stroller ramps, and restrooms are thoughtfully equipped with clean baby-changing stations.
- The galleries are staffed by many enthusiastic volunteer docents who use accessible language and engaging live experiments to explain complex scientific concepts to kids.
- It features its own large multi-level indoor parking garage and is directly served by the T Green Line (Science Park station), making it convenient for both drivers and transit riders.
Heads up
- Some of the classic, foundational physics and mechanics interactive units are showing their age, with loose buttons or unresponsive screens in need of a hardware refresh.
- During weekends and school field trip peaks, the halls are filled with screaming and running children, creating deafening noise levels that are hostile to adults seeking a quiet visit.
- Due to high traffic, queues at popular hands-on kiosks rely entirely on self-policing; without floor staff managing crowds, some experiences require excessive wait times.
- The pricing is heavily tiered; base admission excludes the Omni theater, Planetarium, and Butterfly Garden, making the combined total cost extremely high and lowering overall value.