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Museums #24 in Baltimore

Maryland Science Center

4.5 · 946 reviews
Active, hands-on, and family-oriented
Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St, Baltimore, MD 21230, United States
Interesting facts
1

The center's 'Dinosaur Mysteries' exhibit features the fossils of Astrodon johnstoni, which is the official Maryland state dinosaur.

2

The building's architecture was designed by Edward Durell Stone and opened at its current harbor-front location in 1976.

3

The Davis Planetarium utilizes high-definition digital projection systems to simulate realistic space travel and celestial movements.

4

The center hosts a series of 'Science on Screen' events that pair classic films with expert-led scientific discussions.

5

The facility serves as a major site for the annual Maryland STEM Festival held every autumn.

6

The building was constructed on the former site of a series of maritime warehouses and industrial piers.

Overview

The Maryland Science Center is a prominent institution located on Baltimore's Inner Harbor, featuring three levels of interactive science exhibits, a digital planetarium, and a five-story IMAX theater. Its permanent galleries include 'Dinosaur Mysteries,' which features full-scale skeletal reconstructions and fossil displays, and 'Newton’s Alley,' which focuses on fundamental physics concepts like mechanics and motion. The center emphasizes STEM education through hands-on labs and rotating seasonal exhibits. The rooftop observatory offers views of the harbor and facilitates stargazing events using public-access telescopes. It is a major anchor attraction for families and school groups within the Baltimore sightseeing circuit.

Photo spot

The rooftop observatory deck providing a panoramic view of the Baltimore city skyline and the harbor.

Insider tips

Check the daily schedule for IMAX and planetarium showtimes immediately upon arrival, as they often sell out during peak visitor times.

Explore the rooftop observatory early in the day if the weather is clear for unobstructed views of the Inner Harbor.

Plan your visit to allow ample time for the interactive physics stations in Newton's Alley, as these are popular with all age groups.

What to avoid

Attempting to see all IMAX films and exhibits in a single visit without checking the daily programming schedule in advance.

Good to know

Generally closed on Mondays and Tuesdays during the off-season; check the official website for variable holiday and seasonal operating adjustments.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
3-4 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings during the school year to avoid peak weekend crowds and field trip groups.
Address
Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St, Baltimore, MD 21230, United States
Website
39.281, -76.612
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsDinosaur Mysteries, Newton's Alley, The Shed, and Body Inside Out.

Frequently asked

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

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings during the school year to avoid peak weekend crowds and field trip groups..

The rooftop observatory deck providing a panoramic view of the Baltimore city skyline and the harbor.

Close by you'll find National Aquarium, Federal Hill Park, Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center.