See Science Come to Life at the Detroit Michigan Science Center

Story by Danielle Alexander | Photos by Bill Bowen, Michigan Science Center

Located on John R in downtown Detroit, the Michigan Science Center “inspires curious minds of all ages to discover, explore and appreciate science, technology, engineering and math in a creative, dynamic learning environment.”

Its special exhibits, galleries, live shows, demonstrations and theaters are truly one-of-a-kind:

Special Exhibits

Michigan Science Center’s special exhibits currently include the STEM Playground and Spark!Lab. Both included in the general admission price, the STEM Playground includes “challenge spaces” where visitors can practice their STEM skills, such as creating and testing paper airplanes; at the Spark!Lab, guests are given the opportunity to “engage in the process of invention.” Please note: these two exhibits are only temporary — new exhibits will replace them in the future.

Exhibit Galleries

The Michigan Science Center includes more than 250 hands-on exhibit galleries (including the well-known Kids Town for children ages two to five) that explore several areas: space, health, physical science, engineering and more.

Live Shows

Science is really brought to life with Michigan Science Center’s live stage shows and talented presenters, both of which are free with paid general admission. The Sparks Electricity Show, for example, opens up discovery for how electricity affects the world using Tesla coil, a Van de Graaf generator and exploding wire. Also neat, Chrysler Science Stage’s Kaboomistry mixes physics and chemistry to get some “loud, flash effects” and Anatomy Academy explores the basics of how the human body works.

Demonstrations

Current demonstrations include Centennial and Cell Labs where visitors can discover a variety of science topics with themed activities, as well as Explainer Stations, which feature staff members who share experiments, science facts and more.

Theaters

There are two theaters where guests can see films that “entertain, educate and inspire”:Dassault Systemes Planetarium and Toyota Engineering 4D Theater. FYI: Films are not part of general admission pricing.

General admission is $14 for adults, $11 for children 12 and under, as well as senior citizens over 65 and free for children under two. However, there are three “Explore” package options as well as memberships available, both of which you can learn more about by visiting Michigan Science Center’s Admission page.

Love the Michigan Science Center? Read more about Detroit attractions.

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