Attraction
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Boston's encyclopaedic art museum on Huntington Avenue in the Fenway, with collections ranging from ancient Nubia and Japan to American art and late evening opening on…
Museum of Science
A large hands-on science museum built across the Charles River Dam, with the Hayden Planetarium, a domed Omni theatre and the Theater of Electricity's giant Van de Graaff generator.
At a glance
- Type
- Science museum
- Area
- Science Park, Boston, United States
- Opening
- Open daily · 09:00–17:00
- Official site
- mos.org
Good to know
- Planetarium
- Omni dome theatre
- 4-D theatre
- Live presentations
- Dining
Why we recommend it
The Museum of Science traces its roots to the Boston Society of Natural History, founded in 1830, and took its current name in 1939. It moved to Science Park in 1951, on land over the Charles River Dam between Boston and Cambridge, so its main entrance actually straddles the boundary between the two cities. It is built around hands-on exhibits, immersive theatres and live presentations.
The exhibit halls cover a wide range of subjects. The Theater of Electricity is built around a huge Van de Graaff generator, described as the largest air-insulated example in the world, and the regular shows there, with Tesla coil demonstrations, are a highlight for children and adults alike. Dinosaurs: Modeling the Mesozoic includes fossils and life-size models, among them a full-size Tyrannosaurus rex, while the Hall of Human Life, opened in 2013, has interactive exhibits on the human body.
On top of the exhibit halls, the museum runs three kinds of theatre: planetarium shows in the Charles Hayden Planetarium, which first opened in 1958 and has since been renovated, films in the Mugar Omni Theater, a domed giant-screen cinema, and 4-D films. These usually need separate tickets or a combination ticket, so it is worth choosing show times when you book. Live presentations and activities run through the day.
The exhibit halls are open from 9am to 5pm daily. As with most family museums, weekends and school holidays tend to be busiest, so arriving at opening time usually gives you a quieter first hour. Allow at least three to four hours, more if you add a theatre show. The museum has places to eat on site, which is helpful with young children. It suits families above all, but older visitors with an interest in science or space will also find plenty to do.
Science Park station on the Green Line serves the museum, and the museum's website has directions and parking details. Because the building sits on the river, the walk to and from the entrance gives open views up and down the Charles, so leave a few minutes to take them in before heading back into the city.
Museum of Science FAQs
When are the exhibit halls open?
From 9am to 5pm daily.
What are the main theatres?
The Charles Hayden Planetarium, the domed Mugar Omni Theater and a 4-D theatre.
Do theatre shows cost extra?
Shows are booked as separate or combination tickets, so choose times when you buy admission.
What is the Theater of Electricity?
A show space built around a huge Van de Graaff generator, with lightning and Tesla coil demonstrations.
Are there dinosaurs?
Yes. Dinosaurs: Modeling the Mesozoic includes fossils and a full-size Tyrannosaurus rex model.
How long should you allow?
At least three to four hours, more with a planetarium or Omni show.
How do you get there?
Take the Green Line to Science Park station.
Is there food on site?
Yes. The museum has places to eat, which is useful for families.