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Museums #6 in Hartford, Connecticut

Connecticut Science Center

4.6 · 2,926 reviews
Energetic, educational, and family-oriented.
Connecticut Science Center, 250 Columbus Blvd, Hartford, CT 06103, United States
Interesting facts
1

The facility was built as part of the Adriaen's Landing redevelopment project to revitalize downtown Hartford.

2

The building is LEED-Gold certified, utilizing recycled building materials and high-efficiency mechanical systems.

3

The rooftop garden uses a 'green roof' design to manage stormwater runoff and reduce heat absorption.

4

The Science Center houses a permanent 'Energy City' exhibit that teaches visitors about electricity generation and usage.

5

The facility includes a 'Forensics Lab' where visitors can participate in simulated crime scene investigations.

6

The glass-walled structure provides panoramic views of the Connecticut River and the Hartford skyline.

7

The museum serves as the headquarters for the Connecticut Science Center STEM Education Institute.

Overview

The Connecticut Science Center is a 154,000-square-foot facility featuring over 165 hands-on exhibits across ten galleries. The LEED-Gold certified building serves as a regional hub for STEM education and interactive scientific discovery. Its architecture features a distinctive sloping roofline and a large glass atrium overlooking the Connecticut River. Permanent exhibits cover topics ranging from space exploration and forensic science to local river ecosystems and sustainable energy. The facility includes a 3D digital theater and a rooftop garden designed for environmental demonstrations. It functions as both a tourist destination and a center for professional development for Connecticut educators.

Photo spot

The third-floor outdoor observation deck looking toward the Connecticut River and the Founders Bridge.

Insider tips

Download the digital interactive map before arriving to identify specific galleries of interest.

Visit the rooftop garden early in the day to view the riverfront landscape before temperatures rise.

Check the online calendar for live 'Science Live!' demonstrations to time your arrival in specific wings.

What to avoid

Attempting to see every single exhibit in a single visit, as the density of interactive content often leads to visitor fatigue.

Good to know

Closed on Mondays during the school year, but often open daily during summer months and school vacation weeks.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
3-4 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday afternoons during the school year to avoid peak field trip hours.
Address
Connecticut Science Center, 250 Columbus Blvd, Hartford, CT 06103, United States
41.765, -72.669
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsEnergy City, Forensics Lab, Sports Lab, and Sight and Sound Experience.

Frequently asked

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

The best time to visit is Weekday afternoons during the school year to avoid peak field trip hours..

The third-floor outdoor observation deck looking toward the Connecticut River and the Founders Bridge.

Close by you'll find Dunkin' Park, The Bushnell Performing Arts Center, Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art.