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American Museum of Science and Energy, Oak Ridge, TN

Photo: Ɱ, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

MuseumsHistory BuffRainy-Day PickFamily Favorite

American Museum of Science and Energy

115 E Main St · Oak Ridge, TN

Why you should go…

The American Museum of Science and Energy opened in 1949 as the American Museum of Atomic Energy and tells the story of science in Oak Ridge, a Manhattan Project city. You can explore exhibits on energy and nuclear technology, a large Van de Graaff generator, and displays on Oak Ridge's part in the Manhattan Project. The museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate, now sits in an 18,000-square-foot space on Main Street.

  • #science museum
  • #manhattan project
  • #atomic history
  • #smithsonian affiliate

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

The closest stops to American Museum of Science and Energy, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

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    The Old Mill

    Under $25

    A working 1830s grist mill turned restaurant district on the banks of the Little Pigeon River.

    42 mi awaySwitch it up: Eat & Drink

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Titanic Museum Attraction

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    A half-scale ship replica houses hundreds of recovered artifacts and passenger stories.

    42 mi awayMore like this

  • Eat & Drink
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    Apple Barn Cider Mill & General Store

    Under $25

    Fresh-pressed cider, apple fritters, and homemade preserves in a working orchard barn.

    42 mi awaySwitch it up: Eat & Drink

  • Museums
    Quirky Fun

    Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium

    Under $25

    Ten rooms of oddities, shrunken heads, and optical illusions on the Gatlinburg strip.

    46 mi awayMore like this