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Museums #15 in Detroit

Michigan Science Center

4.4 · 3,025 reviews
Energetic and highly interactive.
Michigan Science Center, 5020 John R St, Detroit, MI 48202, United States
Interesting facts
1

The center operates a specialized IMAX Dome Theatre, one of the few remaining in the region.

2

It is located directly across from the Detroit Institute of Arts, sharing a campus in the Midtown Cultural Center.

3

The facility was formerly known as the Detroit Science Center before its 2012 rebranding.

4

The museum hosts an annual event focused on amateur radio, connecting visitors with operators worldwide.

5

It features a dedicated space for early childhood development called 'Kids Town', designed specifically for ages five and under.

Overview

The Michigan Science Center is a prominent interactive educational hub located in Detroit's Cultural Center. It features the Toyota Engineering 4D Theater and the Dassault Systèmes Planetarium. The facility houses over 200 hands-on exhibits focused on STEM, space exploration, and physical science. It serves as a regional center for inquiry-based learning, hosting various traveling exhibitions throughout the year. The building is designed to encourage tactile engagement, particularly for school-aged children and families. It is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution.

Photo spot

The large, interactive kinetic sculptures in the main atrium provide excellent backdrops for photos.

Insider tips

Check the daily demonstration schedule upon arrival to catch live science shows.

The museum gets busy with field trips on weekday mornings; afternoons are generally quieter.

Use the museum's mobile app to track exhibit locations and showtimes.

What to avoid

Avoid arriving during peak school field trip windows if you prefer a quieter environment for your children.

Good to know

Closed on Mondays throughout the year.

Etiquette

Comfortable footwear is recommended due to the high volume of walking and interactive standing stations.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
3-4 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday afternoons during the school year offer the lowest crowds and best access to exhibits.
Address
Michigan Science Center, 5020 John R St, Detroit, MI 48202, United States
Website
42.358, -83.062
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsToyota Engineering 4D Theater, Dassault Systèmes Planetarium, and Kids Town

Frequently asked

Plan for about 3-4 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday afternoons during the school year offer the lowest crowds and best access to exhibits..

The large, interactive kinetic sculptures in the main atrium provide excellent backdrops for photos.

Close by you'll find Detroit Institute of Arts, Comerica Park, Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.