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Museums #11 in Sacramento, California

SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity

4.4 · 1,801 reviews
Energetic and interactive
SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity, 400 Jibboom St, Sacramento, CA 95811, United States
Interesting facts
1

The museum is housed in a repurposed 1912 PG&E powerhouse, preserving the original brick exterior.

2

The building features a specialized green roof system designed to reduce stormwater runoff into the nearby Sacramento River.

3

The UC Davis Multiverse Theater utilizes a high-resolution 4K digital projection system for space science and cultural shows.

4

The museum's 'Water Challenge' exhibit explains the complex Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta ecosystem.

5

The facility was designed to meet high energy efficiency standards as part of its educational mission regarding sustainability.

Overview

The SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity (MOSAC) is a regional science center located in a renovated historic powerhouse building along the Sacramento River. It features permanent exhibits focused on water, space, nature, and energy, with a strong emphasis on hands-on STEM interaction for families. The facility houses the UC Davis Multiverse Theater, a digital planetarium offering immersive dome shows. The 'Design Lab' provides a dedicated makerspace for engineering and creative building projects. The museum serves as an educational hub with rotating scientific exhibits and interactive displays. It maintains a partnership with SMUD for energy-focused programming. The building preserves industrial elements of the original 1912 power station architecture.

Photo spot

The outdoor plaza facing the river, which captures the contrast between the historic powerhouse brick and modern water views.

Insider tips

Check the digital schedule board in the lobby upon arrival to reserve your preferred showtimes for the planetarium.

Allow extra time to walk the adjacent riverfront park area after exploring the indoor exhibits.

Wear comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes to safely navigate the interactive exhibits.

What to avoid

Do not wait until the end of the day to visit the planetarium, as showtimes fill up quickly and may sell out.

Good to know

Generally closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas; occasionally closed for private events or school maintenance days.

Etiquette

Active exploration is encouraged, but running is prohibited; follow signage for hands-on exhibit safety.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
3-4 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday afternoons during the school year to avoid peak field trip hours and weekend crowds.
Address
SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity, 400 Jibboom St, Sacramento, CA 95811, United States
38.593, -121.506
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsWater Challenge, The Multiverse Theater, Design Lab, Nature Detectives

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 and weekend crowds..

The outdoor plaza facing the river, which captures the contrast between the historic powerhouse brick and modern water views.

Close by you'll find Old Sacramento Waterfront, California State Railroad Museum, California State Capitol Museum.