Museum of Science Boston
Boston's premier science museum, offering hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, IMAX theater, and live shows for all ages.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer school groups, more relaxed.
Museum of Science Boston
Best Time
Fewer school groups, more relaxed.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Boston's premier science museum, offering hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, IMAX theater, and live shows for all ages.
"A truly amazing museum that brings all branches of science to life!"
🎟️ Check Library Passes
MA libraries offer free MOS tickets! Grab them early as they're limited.
🤝 Reciprocity Perks
Members of other museums/zoos might get discounted or free entry. Check MOS reciprocity list!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Theater of Electricity
Electricity exhibit
Witness the awe-inspiring Van de Graaf generator and thrilling lightning shows that bring electrical science to life.
Planetarium Shows
Hayden Planetarium
Explore the cosmos with stunning visual presentations in Boston's renowned planetarium.
IMAX & Omni Theater
IMAX Dome Theater
Experience immersive films on a massive, five-story domed screen for an unforgettable visual journey.
Baby Armadillo
Live Animal Center
See Backpack, a rare screaming hairy armadillo, and learn about conservation efforts for this unique species.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Plan Your Visit Around Shows
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Check Library Passes
MA libraries offer free MOS tickets! Grab them early as they're limited.
🤝 Reciprocity Perks
Members of other museums/zoos might get discounted or free entry. Check MOS reciprocity list!
⏰ Arrive Early for Shows
Popular live demos & shows fill up fast. Aim to arrive 15 mins early for good seats.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing, so comfy shoes are a must!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Check Library Passes
MA libraries offer free MOS tickets! Grab them early as they're limited.
🤝 Reciprocity Perks
Members of other museums/zoos might get discounted or free entry. Check MOS reciprocity list!
⏰ Arrive Early for Shows
Popular live demos & shows fill up fast. Aim to arrive 15 mins early for good seats.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing, so comfy shoes are a must!
📱 Download MOS App
Navigate exhibits and check showtimes easily with the official Museum of Science app.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Museum of Science Boston for its engaging, interactive exhibits that appeal to all ages, from toddlers to adults. The live shows, particularly the lightning demonstration and planetarium presentations, are frequently highlighted as must-see attractions. While some find certain areas more kid-focused, the overall experience is described as educational, inspiring, and a quintessential Boston activity. Occasional mentions of crowds during peak times are noted, but the value and breadth of exhibits generally lead to high satisfaction.
"Fabulous time for families! Purchase tickets in advance, planetarium is a must! This is a classic spot that makes for a quintessential childhood summer day, the duck boats are a fun addition. I recommend for 8+ or the duck boat tour aspect might not be the best (6 year old was bored). I am so glad they have maintained a great museum that feels nostalgic and growing with the times."
Kathryn Carter
"Great experience for a family with a toddler. Lots of fun things to look at and manipulate. The workers at the live demonstration and showing off skulls in the river area were great with a little kid - but there's a ton of stuff at the adult level too. Enjoyed it twice in the last year with more we haven't even seen!
I would say that the cafeteria is decently priced compared to other local museums/attractions. Delicious falafel burger!"
Megan Irey
"The Tesla coils light show was really fun and informative and they have showings throughout the day. It "sparked" a new interest in science for me.
Warning: turn your volume down before you watch the Tesla coil videos I attached. 😂
Amazing views of the Charles River.
I liked looking at the AI dog.
A good portion of the museum is very kid-focused but the paintings and animal/natural history sculptures are fun for all ages. I also liked some information about blood pressure as well as how many calories I need to walk a mile.
It was a fun visit!"
Sagar Bhatt Karia
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Museum of Science is easily accessible by public transport. Take the MBTA Green Line to the Science Park station, which is right across the street. Driving is also an option, with onsite parking available, though it can be pricey. +1
Yes, there is a parking garage at the Museum of Science. Rates are typical for Boston city parking. For potential savings, consider parking at Riverside station and taking the Green Line in. +1
Taking the MBTA Green Line to Science Park station is the most reliable way to avoid traffic congestion, especially during peak hours or busy event weeks.
Yes, the Boston CityPASS often includes admission to the Museum of Science along with other popular attractions, offering a cost-effective way to explore the city.
Absolutely! The Science Park MBTA station on the Green Line is located directly across from the museum, making it very convenient to reach via public transit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It is highly recommended to purchase your tickets online in advance to save time and guarantee entry, especially during busy periods.
Yes, look for discounts through MA library passes, museum reciprocity programs, or consider a CityPASS for bundled savings.
Museum hours can vary seasonally and for special events. It's best to check the official Museum of Science website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
While not always guaranteed, some Massachusetts libraries offer free passes to the Museum of Science. Membership reciprocity with other institutions may also grant free entry.
General admission typically covers access to most permanent exhibits. Special presentations like IMAX films or Planetarium shows usually require separate tickets.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
Don't miss the Theater of Electricity with its Van de Graaf generator, the live animal presentations, the Planetarium, and the immersive IMAX Dome Theater.
Absolutely! While family-friendly, the museum offers engaging exhibits for all ages, including adult-themed evening programs and fascinating scientific demonstrations.
A visit can range from 3 hours to a full day, depending on your interest in exhibits and shows. Allow ample time for the Planetarium or IMAX if you plan to attend.
Yes, the museum hosts several live presentations, including the popular Lightning Show and animal encounters. Check the daily schedule upon arrival.
The Museum of Science features a special 'Taylor Swift Experience' at its Planetarium, offering a unique show for fans that combines music with celestial visuals.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the museum has a cafeteria with reasonably priced options, including a falafel burger, and a cafe next door for takeout sandwiches.
Compared to other Boston attractions, the cafeteria at the Museum of Science is considered decently priced.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally best to consume outside food in designated areas or before entering the main exhibit halls. Check with the museum for their specific policy.
Yes, nearby options include Quincy Market, Boston Public Market for diverse food stalls, and several breweries like Lamplighter Brewing with nearby food options.
Night Shift Brewing near North Station offers a nice view of the Zakim Bridge from its front bar area.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, personal photography is allowed in most areas for non-commercial use. However, flash photography may be restricted in certain exhibits to protect artifacts or for show presentations.
The views of the Charles River are stunning, especially from the upper cafe. The interactive exhibits themselves also make for dynamic and engaging photos.
Photography, especially with flash, is typically prohibited during Planetarium and IMAX shows to avoid disrupting the experience for other guests and for the integrity of the presentation.
The 'Inside Out' exhibit allows you to interact with emotion boards and create core memories, offering fun and unique photo opportunities.
A versatile camera with good low-light performance is ideal. Consider a wide-angle lens for exhibits and a telephoto for capturing details from a distance. A tripod is usually not permitted.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families with very young children, some exhibits might be more geared towards older kids, but there's still plenty to see and do. The cafeteria offers reasonably priced food, making it convenient for family meals.
🧑🎓 Adults and Couples
Many exhibits, such as the Theater of Electricity and the natural history displays, are fascinating for adults who appreciate scientific discovery.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider purchasing a CityPASS if you plan to visit multiple Boston attractions, as it often includes admission to the Museum of Science at a bundled price.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Exhibits
Beyond the core exhibits, the museum offers specialized areas like the 'Inside Out' exhibit, inspired by the Pixar film, where you can interact with emotion boards and create core memories.
Visitors often recommend planning your visit around the live presentations and demonstrations, as these are free with admission but can fill up quickly. The Lightning Show is a crowd-pleaser, though it can be loud.
Shows and Special Presentations
The Hayden Planetarium provides an unparalleled journey through the universe. Its state-of-the-art dome offers immersive stargazing experiences, educational films about space exploration, and captivating laser shows, including special themed shows like the 'Taylor Swift Experience' for fans.
It's crucial to check the daily schedule upon arrival for showtimes, as these presentations are often included with general admission but require timely seating. Arriving 15-20 minutes early is recommended to secure a good spot, especially for popular shows like the Lightning Show.
Transportation and Parking
Driving to the museum is also feasible, and there is an onsite parking garage. However, be prepared for city parking rates, which can be substantial. Some visitors suggest alternative parking strategies, such as parking at the Riverside station and taking the Green Line in, or utilizing services like SpotHero to find parking options and potentially secure better rates.
Traffic around the museum area can be challenging, particularly during peak hours or school vacation weeks. If driving, it's advisable to check traffic conditions beforehand and consider arriving outside of rush hour. The museum's location on the Charles River also offers scenic routes via Memorial Drive in Cambridge.
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