Science Museum of Minnesota

120 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55102, USA

Address:	120 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55102, USA
Phone:	+1 651-221-9444
Site:	smm.org
Rating:	4.5
Working:	9:30AM–6PM 9:30AM–5PM 9:30AM–5PM 9:30AM–3PM 9:30AM–9PM 9:30AM–9PM 9:30AM–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 10

A Private User

Totally aimed at kids--and the sheer amount of children running amok solidifies this. As an adult, I found the museum boring and overpriced. We saw the Arabia film in the omnitheater--definitely not worth the price of admission and had no business being an omnitheater-type film, better aimed at a Discovery Channel special. I was expecting to see great landscapes, ariel views, animals, etc; not images of people praying. It was a film you could watch on a regular TV. The dead sea scroll exhibit was ho-hum too. I liked BodyWorlds much better. And, of course, at the end of the exhibit, youre lead through an overpriced GIFT SHOP upon exit. The other exhibits are the same every year and are crawling with kids. I didnt see one adult trying out any of the stations, it was only children. The adults just stood around, babysitting their kids. They just took over the entire area--its not like we went on a school field trip day--this was a random Tuesday in August! The food in the cafeteria is overpriced and no better than a middle school lunch. Hockey-puck sized hamburgers on Wonderbread buns, chewy chicken sandwiches and greasy pizza. No thanks, there are better restaurants around dt st. paul for much less money. I really dont see a reason to come back here more than once. Its INCREDIBLY overpriced too.

Alex Bajcz

We recently held our wedding here--about 70 guests in all. While the planning process was not without its challenges and hiccups, the overall experience proved to be very enjoyable and memorable. Everyone thought the spaces were beautifully decorated and arranged, the amenities and spaces were accommodating for a party our size, and the prices for everything were extremely reasonable. Plus, the venue provides tons of opportunities for beautiful pictures you simply wont get anywhere else. Just make sure you have a good long dialogue with the museum staff about your desires and plans and ensure to get everything in writing; they seem capable of doing what is needed to achieve your vision as long as they understand exactly what that vision is. On the museum side, you likely will not find a more fun, gigantic, and well-tended science museum than this one, with exhibits that should delight guests of all ages. We had 4 generations at our wedding and everyone stuck around for hours afterwards just to enjoy all the exhibits. On our wedding day (a Sunday at mid-day), the museum was absolutely packed to the gills, so that should give you some idea of just how cool this place is!

Pavel Kucherov

Великолепный, просто поражающий воображение кинотеатр :) Невольно вжимаешься в кресло, когда на экране кадры "от первого лица" (камера закреплена на шлеме), которое, к примеру прыгает с горы. Я смотрел фильм посвящённый 100-летию образования национальных парков в США. А сам музей, с его разделами естественных наук, просто рай для детей. Можно все явления, законы природы, не только посмотреть, но и "потрогать" руками, в самом настоящем смысле этого слова... Самые положительные, тёплые и светлые впечатления и воспоминания о посещении этого музея...

J Hiers

Just visited the Science Museum and toured the Mummy exhibit. I thought it was laid out strangely and there wasnt much that stood out. The lighting was poor and it was uncomfortably warm. Also attended the Omni Theater National Parks show. I enjoyed the material but the video and audio were fuzzy and of poor quality. How can my neighborhood theater be so much better than this fancy production The Science Museum doesnt hesitate to charge top dollar for everything theyre selling including food and beverages. They cap it off by charging $10 to park for 4 hours. Restrooms are hard to find and good luck locating a water fountain. Most of the staff seems uninspired. Not a good experience, I wont be back.

Jeanne Gibbs

OK, were not Chicago, but within the family attractions in the Twin Cities this is an awesome venue. We were members when we had young children and now we are members again at the new location. The IMAX is spectacular, and it is easily accessible to folks in wheelchairs. My husband has mild dementia and I appreciate that exhibit labels are written at a grade school level but do not talk down to them. This is real information of real value, presented simply. Volunteers/staff are friendly and helpful. Last time we were there we enjoyed petting fur pelts and hearing about the animals. We enjoy the food there. It is an expensive outing, and they do have discount programs for families needing financial assistance.

Brent MacNabb

Great location. Lots of great view of the Mississippi River. Check out the view from the tug boat around sunset. Spectacular views. Museum offers informative, hands on displays for all ages. During the weekend they have tables setup for crafty projects but tend to wrap up around 4pm. These are maintained by high school or college volunteers. The Ommitheater shows can sell out on busier weekends so prepare for that. All shows are 50 minutes long which is about right for kids. Otherwise plan on 3 to 4 hours to see the whole museum. For locals, being a member gives you the perk of $5 parking for events or shows. Rice Park and the Ordway a block away.

Will Gayther

Costs and Scheduling Are The Worst. Its like travelling back to 1995 when no one was any good at online scheduling. My credit card got charged for the tickets, but then no confirmation. Do I have them? Will they be there when I show up? No way to know. They charge you extra for buying tickets ahead of time. Be prepared when you show up to pay a large amount of money for parking as well, something they dont mention online. One section of the site lists some things, another lists others, theres no section in your account for the tickets you bought. Just awful. Every few years I forget how awful it is, sign up for something, then am reminded.

Mick Dutcher

Absolutely great way to spend a day with the family. You can easily spend several hours here and not see it all. Everything is very hands on with multiple floors of learning and fun for kids of all ages. The displays and activities will appeal to kids with all kinds of interests ranging from biology to weather and technology. Definitely give yourself plenty of time to enjoy it. Plenty of parking on site by virtue of a parking ramp located under the building. If you plan on visiting more than once, consider a family membership, which may be more cost effective for you and includes discounted parking.

A Private User

family-friendly museum.. The dinosaur exhibits are really great, and there’s even miniature golf in the Big Back Yard Exhibit. The downside is that unlike a lot of family-friendly museums there isn’t much here that’s interesting if you’re an adult, and the museum can be crowded enough that it’s hard for your kids to enjoy the exhibits. If you can, go on a weekday, and try to find a coupon for admission; it’s pretty pricey. That said, it can be a really fun way to spend a day with your kids in St Paul, especially if the weather is bad, and the IMAX theater has always had pretty good films.

Tom Lutes

The Science Museum is never a disappointment! My favorites are the musical staircase and the optical illusion theatre (though they may have swapped that one out). The last time I was there, I was chaperone for a school group and we went in the group entrance on the river side of the museum; I found the iguana statue that I loved as a kid! Ive also recently enjoyed eating lunch and listening to the seismic chimes. However, the criticisms I hear most often are concerning the Omni theatre... I dont often get an Omni ticket, so that might have an impact on my museum experience.