The Great Hall’s walls consist of 5,400 pieces of dalles de verre, a thick, colored glass that creates a unique light effect.
The building was one of the only original structures from the 1964-1965 New York World's Fair to remain on-site and operational.
The museum houses the 'Rocket Park' which features authentic Mercury-Atlas and Titan II rockets.
The facility was used as a filming location for the 1997 movie Men in Black.
NYSCI runs a 'Science Career Ladder' program that employs local high school and college students as science explainers.
The New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) is a premier science and technology center located in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, housed in the original structures built for the 1964-1965 World's Fair. The museum features over 450 interactive exhibits focused on physics, biology, and chemistry, designed to encourage hands-on exploration. Its iconic Great Hall, designed by Wallace Harrison, is characterized by its dramatic curved walls and 5,400 stained-glass dalles de verre panels. The institution operates an outdoor science playground, one of the largest in the United States, utilizing principles of motion and sound. It maintains a dedicated Maker Space for engineering-focused activities and digital fabrication. NYSCI also serves as a research hub for STEM education and provides programs specifically tailored for local school groups and community members. The museum grounds include an expansive outdoor rocket park, showcasing genuine NASA-era spacecraft. Visitors can access a variety of rotating temporary exhibitions that highlight contemporary scientific developments.
Inside the Great Hall, looking up at the high, blue-tinted stained glass walls.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the museum and its outdoor playground cover a significant amount of ground.
Check the website for daily schedules of live science demonstrations, as they change frequently.
Visit the outdoor Science Playground before exploring the indoor galleries if the weather is clear.
Do not attempt to walk to the museum from outside the park without checking the park’s internal path maps, as perimeter fences can make navigation difficult.
Closed on certain Mondays and Tuesdays during off-peak seasons; check the official calendar for seasonal school holiday hours.
