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Museum of Science

1 Science Park · Boston, MA

Why you should go…

Perched on a dam spanning the Charles River, this is one of the country's great science museums, home to the world's largest air-insulated Van de Graaff generator, which throws real indoor lightning bolts daily. With a planetarium, IMAX-style dome theater, and hundreds of interactive exhibits, it can easily swallow a full day. The go-to move when Boston weather turns.

  • #science
  • #planetarium
  • #interactive
  • #kids
  • #IMAX

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

  • Museums
    Local Gem

    The Sports Museum

    Under $25

    Boston sports history museum inside TD Garden.

    0.5 mi awayMore like this

  • Eat & Drink
    Iconic

    Cheers Beacon Hill

    $25–$50

    The real Beacon Hill bar whose exterior inspired the TV sitcom Cheers, tucked beneath the historic Hampshire House.

    0.8 mi awaySwitch it up: Eat & Drink

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Old North Church & Historic Site

    Under $25

    Boston's oldest surviving church, where two lanterns in the steeple launched Paul Revere's ride in 1775. Crypt and bell-tower tours dig deeper.

    0.8 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Museums
    History Buff

    USS Constitution & USS Constitution Museum

    Free

    Step aboard Old Ironsides, the world's oldest commissioned warship still afloat, in the Charlestown Navy Yard.

    0.8 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Revolutionary Spaces

    Under $25

    Boston's Old State House and Old South Meeting House, twin landmarks of the American Revolution.

    0.9 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Museums
    Family favorite

    Boston Children's Museum

    Under $25

    Three floors of hands-on play in a Fort Point warehouse, climb the three-story maze, blow giant bubbles, and step inside a real Kyoto silk merchant's house.

    1.5 mi awayMore like this