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.
Permanent Displays at the
Museum of Science
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
