RMSC (Rochester Museum & Science Center)

I love it here and look forward to going again! There was so much great information on display in creative ways. While I went on my own, as an adult, I noticed that there were many interactive tools for children to learn from. I especially appreciate how both the museum and planetarium center the voices and experiences of Indigenous people.

This was a really interactive museum with lots to learn. It is definitely geared towards kids though, so if you're an adult looking for displays of dinosaurs and polar bears, this isn't going to be it. The room with the mammoths were really cool, and I had no idea that mammoths walked the Rochester area way back in the day! That was really neat to learn about. Bonus tip #1: Bring hand sanitizer. Everyone touched every display, and it's tempting to scratch that itch on your face with germy hands. Bonus tip #2: If you've got kids with you, ask questions about the planetarium show. The one we saw was educational, but the smaller kids in the room were really fidgety, as it was way above their comprehension level.

We had a great time visiting the Rochester Museum & Science Center and the Strasenburgh Planetarium! It’s an amazing spot for families, especially with curious kids who love to explore and learn through hands-on fun. The museum itself is packed with interactive exhibits — from exploring science and technology to diving into local history and nature. It was super engaging and educational without feeling like school work. The Strasenburgh Planetarium was a real highlight. We caught a show in the dome theater, and it was both relaxing and awe-inspiring. The presentation was easy to follow for all ages. It definitely sparked a lot of space-related questions on the ride home! The staff was friendly and patient, and everything felt clean and well-maintained. There’s a small café and a gift shop. I’ve noticed some families brought lunch from home and ate in the café area, but we drove about 4 minutes away to grab fast food. Overall, it’s a great place to spend a day learning and having fun as a family. Highly recommend if you’re in the Rochester area, especially on a rainy day or when you’re looking for something meaningful to do with the kids! Clean, educational and fun. Highly recommend!

Great interactive museum experience Tue kids and kids inside of us that love learning . Nice holiday bazaar with crafts for the holidays.

The service was exceptional, with friendly staff available to assist and answer questions. One of the highlights was the short line for the entrance and not crowded space which made it easy to explore without feeling rushed. The variety of exhibitions was truly impressive. From fascinating displays on the history of Native American and African American contributions to science, to engaging Lego, Music creation and mechanics exhibits, there was something for everyone. Each section was well-curated and offered a unique perspective that educated and entertained. Overall, this museum is Rochester, NY gem for anyone interested in science and history.

Nothing too fancy to see here. The museum has three floors, but most of the interesting stuff is on the second floor. General admission is $23, and the senior/student discount is just $1 less, which really doesn’t make much sense. For this price, I didn’t feel it was worth it. Compared to all the science museums that I've seen, this was honestly my least favourite! The souvenir shop was also disappointing, very limited selection, and I couldn’t literally find anything I actually wanted to buy.

The museum always delivers! It provides many always changing experiences and setups. My children love running around learning and playing here. There was a themed event happening this weekend which they do often and it added even more fun to the mix. There were vendors and tables set up to learn about things in our local community. Always clean and refreshing. Would being my kids again and again.

Had a great time. Museum has interactive activities for the kids. The day we went they had an engineering workshop along with a small medical workshop. This place has 3 floors of activities. There is an elevator for quick access to all the levels including the ground level where a small dinning and snacking area is located. They also have lockers for rent. Plenty of parking

The membership here lets you travel to other cities and get in for free. That alone paid for the membership fee. Baby changing station designed for right handed people. So as a lefter I was discriminated against. Changing a poopy diaper with a non dominant hand increases the risk of the poop getting all over.

First time at this museum, even though the museum was smaller, the exhibits on the local history of Rochester were nice, and the kid in me loved the dinosaurs, along with Wonders of Water, Illumination of Light. It was nice to see the interactive displays for kids, but a little chaotic with kids running all over the place, and staff weren't very friendly. Other then that, it was fun and something to do, too beat the cold February day. Highly recommend for kids or adults, just wanting to unleash their inner kid.

Spring is here, and that means we are starting to check out ALL THE THINGS (TM)! We got talked into the Rochester Museum & Science Center by a friend, and as a science nerd, I figured there is no way that it could not be at least moderately awesome. We were not disappointed! It was raining (and snowing) the day we went, so we didn't spend much time scoping the outside. But the inside packed a lot of fun! The amount of activities they had for kids blew my mind. My daughter got to dig for fossils, build "inventions", see how houses are built, play with lights, and mirrors, and laser harps. They had dinosaurs when we visited, which is always a favorite. I hear that they rotate exhibits periodically to keep it exciting and new. MY favorite part was the Tesla Coils and the Faraday Cage. We stopped in to watch a show, and it was absolutely amazing. In total they played about 10 different songs, and everybody who wanted to go hang out in the Faraday Cage was able to do it. My daughter, who is basically scared of everything, even took a turn! The staff we talked to were all personable, friendly, and fair. They were also knowledgeable and seemed to genuinely enjoy their jobs. My only complaint really is that the lots were completely full the day that we went, so we had to bumble around for a bit until we found a spot. On busy days, parking could be better. We will definitely be going back again in the future!

Can't believe I've never reviewed this Museum, I stop over once a year. Museum is nice, it's small but does a pretty good job with local history. Changing exhibits are nice, the permanent ones have been around for years so once a year visit is fine, $18.00 for an adult and you can get through this museum under 2 hours. Place is clean, parking is easy, and staff are friendly enough. It's centrally located to the Eastman House, or MAG so can visit more attractions if in the area. If you're an adult, it's a quick visit, but if you have kids, definitely more for the kids as every level has a sort of playroom with interactive exhibits. If in the area, check it out if you have an hour or two to spare.

Rochester science museum is one of those museums as a kid you visit for school trips and twenty years later it has the same feel to it. The staff are very friendly. They rotate some of their displays to keep it fresh. Currently they have change makers display entirely on the third floor. People who have made a difference to society. One exhibit that takes me back to childhood is the Seneca Indian display and the artifacts contained inside. A display you probably will only see in this area. They have an expansive Underground Railroad exhibit which is pretty detailed. This is also where the carousel panel is on display. Due to covid they have made many changes to the museum. The mezzanine level is off limits to the public because the curiosity camp is being held there. The museum also has one way flow through their facility, hand sanitizer station are plentiful. They have arrows on the floor to direct you in the right path. They have several exhibits closed because of precautions. We have had a membership for the past few years. The membership is well worth the cost, it pays for itself after a few visits. This museum has free parking, the museum is always changing out exhibits with select few not changing. I will say the artifacts and exhibits with lengthy words aren't geared for my pre k child that can't read but there are enough things in this museum to keep him engaged. It isn't an all day museum with a child my age but it is a good half day trip. And you also get admission to the planetarium with a membership so that is a fun place to visit. Visiting both will make a full day event.

This was my first time going here and I was mind blown- I was overwhelmed of how much history there was- from Dinosaurs to African American History to Engineering to Extinction. Children would love it here, it brought out the kid outta me that's for sure!!! Visit this amazing place if you're driving through or staying a while.

Writing this review today in honor of RMSC's announcement of their October exhibition, The Changemakers, which aims to shine a lot on Rochester women who have changed the world. I've gotten to know RMSC so much better since I started with Yelp a few years ago, and have come to appreciate their programming more and more as time goes on. The facility itself is well maintained and consistently being updated. There are things that are still there from when I attended on a field trip as a kid, along with a ton of new things all around the museum and campus as well. I've been recently for some of their adult programming, After Dark, a Planetarium show, and for meetings in the office buildings. The staff here is hustling hard to educate Rochesterians off all ages, and even now have a successful school operating right on the grounds. I am so excited to see what lays ahead for RMSC. When you visit, expect fun science presentations, floors and floors of hands on fun, and friendly frontline staff. They also host events in both the museum and planetarium space, which look beautiful from photos.

Went here a number of times as a kid and made my first visit in over 10 years. Plenty of renovations. Admission prices are fair though there are special discounts and deals, like discounted admission to the next door Planetarium. The museum has three floors of exhibits, many of them centered around the local Rochester area, such as Lake Ontario and the Iroquois. Plenty of family friendly interactive exhibits, including a special one on common car components which I found appealing. There were a few that were broken, though still a very enjoyable experience. The motion simulator ride is also gone. Went next door to the Planetarium to visit Carl (projector) and watch an hour show about the night sky. Noticeable renovations with a new projector and comfortable recliner seats (like stargazing in the backyard). Cafe food is overpriced as expected, $4 for a small slice of pizza and limited options. Staff very friendly though.

We really loved going to the RMSC when things were open and safe, and I can't wait for us to go back. The planetarium is definitely a plus, and you can usually go in for a guide on what that night's sky will look like. That's a nice quick way to learn about stars, and a quiet few minutes. Once that vaccination comes my way, this is on my list!

I've been here many times with my kids. This past time it was for a field trip with my son and we got to explore the new science tech exhibit. Which was pretty awesome if I must say!. Overall I think this a great museum for kids to have fun and learn at the same time. They are engaged and focused but having fun. Which is all that matters! If your visiting Rochester, this is a gem I think that gets over looked ( because people think boring) but it's a must see.

My family and I always go there many times and my both kids love these activities RMSC have for the kids. They have some events for kids to enjoy which is amazing because my kids got to see real animals that they loved!! They got to pet some animals even included snakes (yuck!). In the light, RMSC have been creative with activities and sending newsletters for us to know what's going on which is amazing.. As you guys know that we are in shelter in place and COVID-19 have preventing us from going there. My kids miss going there because it was fun and many things to do... They sent us a newsletter that they are going to bring maple to us in the house which is we order the package then they will ship them to us to enjoy the maple package. It is an awesome idea that would keep kids busy. Kudos to them for amazing works!! I gave 4 stars because it is very hard to find a place for us to sit and eat our lunch especially it gets too crowded and leave no seat spots available. I wish that the cafe have bigger room with more tables & seats available for everyone especially there are a lot of families going there. It would be an awesome idea if they expand bigger cafe and people can enjoy without getting frustrating by looking for table and seats. Overall, I would recommend anyone that included people who enjoy science.. they should go this place because it is a great place to explore and enjoy science as well.

We attended the recent "Space Ball" at RMSC and Planetarium. We were able to get VIP tickets, which included early entry and a t-shirt. Lots of fun things to do! - We started of making space slime. Yes, space slime! It was quick and easy and who cares if you're not a kid! It was fun! - We watched a presentation in the planetarium about a day in Rochester from sunrise to sunset. Learned a lot about constellations and more. - We then mosied on over to RMSC. There were a bunch of people dressed as Star Wars characters, including R2D2! Keeping with the space theme :) - We made paper rockets and launched them by stomping on a 2 liter bottle with a tube! Mine hit the ceiling and totally missed the target lol - We spun for prizes. My daughter and I won glow sticks. Her friend and her mom won free passes to the Rochester version of Comicon - We wandered the museum and even took a ride in an underwater simulator. Great fun! - Best part of the night: Dancing to Sky Coasters! What a great band. I think RMSC does themed events several times a year. I will definitely attend another!

I came here recently for an event.. I'm told they are usually really rocking. This one not so much.. Ive been here when we had that total eclipse and we got particular glasses for it. The staff is friendly and to just walk around is great and they have a pretty good gift shop. Unfortunately I was not really WOWED by this place until I went to the planetarium which was fabulous and we got to see "Carl" you can also rent out the planetarium for events which I think is cool. This place I think kids would dig but it needs a refresh as do the elevators. I wish they would get some sort of endowment cause it could really rock. I give this place a 3.5 and a 4 plus for the planetarium. They have parking.. that's all I have to say.

Good little Rochester museum. Anyone who went as a kid will remember the dioramas and cabin, which are still there. There are also new exhibits and a floor of interactive learning stations, which are excellent. There is also a new innovators area where kids can create various things to take home. Worth a trip every few months!

This place is AWESOME! We went for the first time a few weeks ago and just went back on Mother's Day and they redid some of the exhibits, making it even better. My two daughters LOVE IT. On the first floor, there's an adventure zone to the right. From seeing how water, wind and energy works to a rock wall and so many other things, it's a great start. To the left there's a huge dinosaur and animal exhibit area. This is one of the favorite areas for the kids. The second floor is very much like a museum with Native American and first explorer tools and jewelry, etc. Then there's a room with a giant globe and it projects various things on it (the earth, the moon, etc). Outside of that is another super popular area, with music exhibits that use creative and fun ways to teach soundwaves and other stuff. You'd think younger kids would be indifferent but they love it. 3rd floor has play construction stuff, crafts and car stuff. The girls love that too. The mezzanine has a toy lava pit and some big soft building blocks. Basement has a cafe. This and Strong Museum of Play make Rochester a worthy drive for us. You could make a day out of each!

I imagine that given the option between RMSC and Strong Museum, most people are going to go to the latter, however RMSC has some incredible offerings for children. Like many Rochesterians, I have fond memories of RMSC and have spent a significant amount of time here as a kid on school visits, taking summer camp classes and with my Mom for the years that we maintained a family membership. The Planetarium is a gem and will always be a cool experience for kids and adults alike. RMSC is like a classic throwback stuck in time. What once reigned in our memories as brand spanking new, is not tired and in major need of repair. There are some obvious needs for cosmetic improvement of the physical building and some exhibits. THE GOOD: The classic exhibits are still there and recapturing the history of Rochester, NY. They have added new permanent exhibits such as the Tesla Coils- which demonstrate electricity through sound. RMSC also offers educational classes and camps for kids and can be a great area to host an event. THE GREAT: Like many other musuems across the country, RMSC has figured out that most adults are really just big kids and want their playtime too. They have added in periodic "Musuem After Dark" events that have various themes throughout the year. Some events are probably better than others and offer more features, however the two that I have been to have been absolutely phenomenal. The event is 21+ I recommend purchasing tickets in advance, having a cocktail and enjoy the exhibits. The other tip for attending these events is to make sure that you're viewing all areas of the Musuem. We almost missed a huge section with games and vendors because it was located off to the side, near the main 1st floor theatre and we didn't know. As another contributor mentioned in a review, there is a room for growth with partnerships between the local universities to contribute to some of the exhibits. Perhaps, this will be the next step in RMSC's evolution.

My boyfriend and I went to the After Dark: Galactic Get Down event tonight and had an awesome time! The electrical show was amazing! We went into the Faraday Cage and it was so cool. The Science Live show was probably my favorite of the three shows that we saw. The experiments were awesome and the two men running it were hilarious! The planetarium show was cool, but I tend to be sensitive to motion, so I unfortunately had to close my eyes for some of it. I would definitely go to an After Dark event at the RMSC again!

Doesn't look like much from the outside. But inside is a total different world. Really enjoyed the singing coil show. The staff were great during that show. Definitely would recommend! The whole place was so interactive for all ages to enjoy. Would go again in the future!

Attended the after dark event and had a good time. Tickets $12 prior to event, when you purchase online they place your name on a list and check it off at the door. We arrived at the start of the event and waited approx 25 minutes in the entry line. They had 3 food trucks there including Cheesed and Confused. They had several cash bars in the museum, looked well staffed and minimal lines. We enjoyed the interactive area on the 1st floor with simulators and video of yourself as a weather reporter. Some of the special activites for the night that were advertised were a little less exciting than I thought. They had "make you own lava lamp" which was literally pouring the liquids into a plastic baggy in a very narrow crowded hallway. Also in the same very crowded hallway was making your own t-shirts but there was no real room to "Be creative" there. The planetarium was available for laser light shows set to music which sounded like fun - approx every 15-20 minutes. Staff all around was very nice, helpful and fun. Museum seems a little dated but overall a nice evening.

This is a review for weddings (or events) at the Rochester Museum & Science Center. SO MUCH FUN!!!!! We got married here 1.5 years ago and are SO GLAD we did! The event planner Anita Joan is WONDERFUL and so easy to work with! Pricing for the RMSC was also extremely reasonable! The catering by Mario's is priced right and DELICIOUS! Can we just say cocktails by the MASTODON?!?!? Amazing photo opps!!!!!! And all of the exhibits are open during your event! The whole place is yours! Great when your friends have kiddos who need to run and scream! (And even better for your guests as they have a few more cocktails!) We got a block of rooms at the Strathallan, so that the guests didn't drive home afterward. We all just stumbled up East Avenue, for the after-party on the rooftop. A grand time, with views of downtown Rochester! Pix in the gardens outside beforehand -- and that ring out front makes for a gorgeous backdrop, as well!

This Museum is awesome! I was invited to attend the RMSC After Dark: Monster Bash and i had an amazing evening. There were several vendors at the entrance which featured different causes and themes. They gave out lots of cool freebies from glow sticks to condoms. There was also a scavenger hunt which had really awesome prizes. There were cash bars on each floor and some food trucks outside. There was also a cafe inside. The DJ played really good music that everyone seemed to enjoy. There was even a dance floor which was packed with people enjoying their evening! The costumes were really good too! The museum exhibits were great. I could have spent hours going through everything this museum had to offer. Just beautiful. There was even a lady walking around with the resident 12 year old snake!! I have to say that I spent most of my evening in the Strasenburgh Planetarium. There were several themed light shows which lasted about 30-40 minutes each. The seating was comfortable and spacious. There were even bean bags on the floor for those who preferred to lie down and enjoy the show. Super clean and nice. Thank you Yelp, RMSC and Megan for a great evening! I can't wait to return to The RMSC to really take in all of the exhibits and gain some more knowledge.

Our Father-Son vacation to western NY took us next to Rochester, NY - a town located midway between Syracuse and Buffalo, and close to Lake Ontario. My Dad had a couple of nearby spots on his bucket list, and so after a few days at Letchworth State Park, we drove north to Rochester. Our first stop was the Rochester Museum & Science Center (RMSC) which is located in a beautiful part of downtown, along East Avenue, near Goodman Street. The RMSC includes the main Science Museum, Strasenburgh Planetarium, and nearby Cumming Nature Center. I've been around museums in large cities most of my life, and it's unfair to compare RMSC against the likes of museums in Washington, DC, Boston, New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. That being said, I felt that the RMSC was geared primarily towards school-aged children. There were lots of flashing lights, blinking gizmos, and interactive displays for the kids. On one side of the first floor is a cool exhibit called the Adventure Zone where you can explore the underwater world of Lake Ontario and remotely control a deep submergence vehicle to the bottom of the lake. We were able to examine the rock layers of the Genesee River Gorge on the climbing wall, and operate the fill valves in an interactive model of an Erie Canal lock. Nearby was an exhibit called Glaciers & Giants where we met Ice-Age giants as we walked through a glacial ice cave, saw a full-scale Albertosaurus skeleton, and stood next to a replica of a Mastadon. Lots of stuff in this area to keep the kids amused. There were interesting historical exhibits on Rochester's involvement with the American Civil War, the Underground Railroad, and the Industrial Revolution. There was also a section about the history of the Iroquois Indians, and their interactions with the European settlers. As an Adult this is a museum that I'd probably only visit a few times, but if I had school-aged kids I'm sure that I'd be here more often.

While interesting, RMSC does not live up to its potential in a city of scientists, universities, and entrepreneurs. Could be a celebration of science and capitalism and Rochester's contribution to society. The question to be asked: What would Apple (or SONY) or a MIT Media Lab do with this opportunity? More imagination needed. Best was the history of the region from the time of man through Native American Indians to today. Too many exhibits in state of construction or repair. Allow 2 hours If you are from out-of-town, Museum is walkable from downtown, about 1 mile. We walked. If you think this review with photos is useful, funny or cool, I'd appreciate your feedback below.

RMSC is near and dear to my heart. The time, effort, and love the employees here put into what they do truly shows even when they may be working on a budget (and who isn't??). The exhibits are hands on for the most part and guests are encouraged to grab, play, and interact with the science. RMSC offers many special events, including AMAZING 'After Dark' events. Adults get a chance to dress up and take over the museum without having to trip over or worry about little ones. Grab a drink and a costume and buy tickets early so you don't miss out! Their social media team posts interesting facts and tidbits on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram, and they also keep you up to date on events. Seems like there is a new event every week! They regularly bring in new 'traveling' exhibits to keep things fresh. I LOVED the Frogs exhibit.... but I am also severely biased in that opinion. RMSC is a local gem, on the short list of places you should send any out-of-town visitors.

I LOVE the science museum. I've been going here since I was a kid and I cannot rave enough about it. Between this museum and my middle school science teacher, this is what got me into the science/STEM field! It has plenty of exhibits, demonstrations throughout the day, and three floors of fun! What else is there to ask for? I love the demonstrations the most, especially for the younger kids because sometimes having someone explain it helps them understand more. I could easily come and spend all day here, and I'm 22. What I like most about the demonstrations is that they're tying in old and new. Yesterday, I went with 2 kids (4&8 years) and was able to watch some cool new demonstrations with them but also show them ones I was able to watch as a kid and I loved it! I am so glad that I have a membership with the science center. It is definitely one thing worth investing in.

What a place! Totally recommend it for people of all ages. First off, the museum is huge and so much fun! It's entirely interactive. I visited the RMSC with my mom and 9-year-old brother and we went during Animal Week. There were wild animals all over the place, and the museum also does different shows periodically. Then there's the Planetarium (which we didn't get to because there was so much to do in the actual museum, next time!). The Native American and Underground Railroad exhibits were breathtaking. I was astonished at all of the history that I didn't know happened in Rochester. Same can be said of the nature exhibits. I had no clue that so many animals lived in the area or that so many nature preserves existed. There's exhibits on prehistoric history, The Ice Age, outer space, and energy and how it works. There's a rock climbing wall, a simulation of a submarine, and so, so much more. We were kept engaged and entertained for about 3-4 hours. Although a lot of the museum is geared towards children, myself as a man-child found genuine enjoyment as we journeyed through the three floors. I recommend the RMSC, even if you're not a "museum person," (I most certainly am.) Great day.

A fun place to explore if you're looking to kill a few hours indoors. Decent place for kiddos about 4 years and up. Some of the older exhibits are very run down, several aren't working well. But they seem to rotate out some of the exhibits every few months so some are brand new! There is a cafe area downstairs to grab a snack so you don't have to leave the facility. Definitely grab a membership if you enjoy traveling and exploring because a membership here allows you access to 300 different museums!

We have a family membership, so we finally got here today! We stopped by the planetarium first and then walked over! The check in was kind of crowded and we weren't sure where to go, but the wait wasn't long. They gave us a map, and we were excited to see the Messtival activities! There was so much fun activities for my 5 and 7 year old. They painted with magnets, made some slime, and played with fake snow! Plus, there were so many regular exhibits we didn't even get to! Definitely will return. Get there early or the parking situation is awful!

The RMSC had a fundraiser Beautiful Blooms sale. I placed my order a couple of weeks ago and had to pickup today. They set the pickup times in alphabetical order. My time frame was 1-4. I got there about 1:30 and there were 5-6 cars ahead of me and people kept coming in. They had enough volunteers that took names and were out with our flowers in under 5 minutes! They put them in the car contact free as required now. The plants are very healthy. And this pickup was during bursts of heavy snow! Poor volunteers. A very well run event!

This review is mostly being left about the laser shows at the RMSC planetarium, as I haven't experienced the actual museum since I was nine or 10. I recall thoroughly enjoying myself at the museum as a child, though, if that counts for anything. I've gone to two or three laser shows and I genuinely believe that it's one of the coolest activities you can do in Rochester. The first time I went was on a date, which was a solid move by that guy because I was thoroughly impressed with the whole thing. We went to the 90s laser show, and then I went back to see the Beatle's show because I liked it so much. It's inexpensive (students get a discount) and a pretty unique experience.

It was awesome - well worth the $71 we had to pay to get in. There's a lot of fun things to learn.

RMSC is now part of the Museums for All access program! Those receiving benefits via the SNAP or EBT program pay just $1 per person (up to 4 people).

We have a membership here. Lots of interesting exhibits and hands on things. The Tesla coils and electricity show is great. It's a bit on the small side so you can get through the exhibits in an afternoon. The planetarium part is small and only open when there is a show happening. There is a separate charge for this. I wish the planetarium was bigger with more exhibits!

Well designed and staffed by friendly people. Great place for kids that is not overwheming. The live science shows are so funny and personal. I have a membership even though I live 1,000 miles away.

Great science center, it has a little bit of everything. If you need a place to take the kids you will not be sorry. The normal collection is really strong from geology to physics. They have a rotating collection on the top floor that typically has a great hands on/build your own style project for kids and adults. In the past we have eaten at the restaurant in the basement which was good. However the restaurant this trip was really slow and they seemed to be out of lots of stuff. You would be better off taking your own food. One of the things that I really respect is their focus on local exhibits. They work hard to bring the local region into their display. They have some great exhibits on native Americans, local ecology, geology, etc.

RMSC is a great place to visit, especially if you have kids. I have been so many times over the years, from school trips when in grade school, to taking friends from out of town here on a quick stop. The museum has a lot of cool and interesting exhibits, and they've recently added a section with Tesla Coils which is incredible (seriously, go check it out). Certain exhibits, like the Tesla Coils, are only active at certain times to be sure to check their schedule of events before heading over if you are going for something specific. RSMC also have traveling exhibits that come through very often and offer something different to go check out even if you've been there before. I have attended their Titanic & Body exhibits, and right now they have a Ripley's exhibit which is incredibly interesting. The location is great, very easy to get to and quite close to many of the other attractions in the city. The Strasenburgh Planetarium, which is a part of the RSMC, is on the same campus, while Mount Hope cemetery, where you can visit the burial sights of both Susan B. Anthony & Frederick Douglass among many others. Be aware, that given this is a museum, there are many class groups that visit, especially during the week. I would highly recommend checking it out and visiting a really fun and educational experience in Rochester.

We are always finding awesome reasons to go back to the Rochester Museum & Science Center again and again. If you haven't seen the singing Tesla coils yet, it is a must. Each show is a little different and it is such a fun experience. Wish there was a way they could have the coils perform with the RPO (safely of course). My toddler cannot stop talking about going back. He recently spent an entire day there (10 am to 5PM) starting with a show at the planetarium with "Karl the Robot", and ending with Math Midway (current exhibit). But it's not just for kids. The museum is now offering adult only events a few times a year too. We went the the After Dark Party in October and LOVED it! The party was a sci-fi themed event with food, a dance floor, live science experiments and a cash bar on each level. Many attendees wore incredible costumes! I can't wait for the next After Dark event.

We have a family membership here an we go fairly often. So much fun to be had here as an adult I could spend all day here playing around. I'm such a science nerd. I would recommend going to the electric theatre when they have shows. Very awesome. Every time we go there is something different. Highly recommend the visit.

My favorite exhibit might be the Native American part of the museum. Sure, it may have been there since I was 10 years old. *countless field trip and family visits as a kid* We learned all about the rich history of the tribes that inhabited NY before us. As an adult, I've been back to experience the newer exhibits like the Tesla Coils (SO cool... Go now!) and the bodies exhibit a few years back. I've also attended the RMSC After Dark events that they hold once every six months or so. It's a pretty cool space for an event as there's a lot of nooks and crannies to explore. They also bring in some other activities like stilt walkers and other circus themed things during the recent Carnival of Curiosity. They have a cash bar for adult beverages.

Excellent museum to visit with elementary school aged children. Plenty of activities & things to read/learn for adults while kids can climb, explore, play, and participate in a variety of science-related exhibits. The electricity exhibit was particularly interesting - pedaling different bikes to visualize the amount of electricity needed to power either an LED, a fluorescent, or an incandescent bulb. The comparison of different power plants was also cool. We all spent an hour building free form in the Keva Planks demo area. We arrived after lunch, so I can't comment on the dining facilities. Bottom line: I'd definitely return in the future. Much better expenditure of money & time than the Museum of Play! Wished we could have stayed longer!

Yayyy! Have come her several times. Starting way back when i was a kid. The center is full of different activities. It is great for the entire family. Fun and educational...What a strange concept. Nowdays they have special After Dark adult events like the Geek Chic Prom, Prehistoric Party, etc... The events have all been a blast! There is cash bars set up on all floors. They pretty much allow a bunch of drunk adults to wander around the center. A truly genius idea. The events usually have some sort of food provided. Ranging from pizza to fondue! All in all its a fairly inexpensive good time that isn't your typical bar or house party.

Coffee was pretty good and cheap compared to Starbucks. The cheeseburger was good quality exhibits were okay. 7/10 would go to get coffee again

We were there today to see the outgoing Frogs! exhibit and their new spheres exhibit. We had 5 (19-60 years old) adults and 5 kids in our party. The kids were 8 months, 18 months, 3 years, 13 and 14. The parts of the museum that have been updated with hands on play were really interactive. They offered lots to do for everyone. Some of the interactive parts were really torn up from use and should be updated with fresh carpet or paint. It was really disappointing how torn up the climbing structure was in the very beginning of the museum. The parts of the museum that were not updated seem like lots of unused space. No one was wandering through the dark parts of the Native American exhibits. I feel like those exhibits would be amazing for a backdrop to some hands on stuff. Oh, the Frogs! we're very cool... Interesting to see how different they are. The spheres was BORING. It's a brand new exhibit and has so much potential. We left because all of the kids were bored out of their gourd. A family membership is $85. For a family of 4 you need to come to the museum 3 times in a year to make it worth while. My biggest gripe is the cafe... They offered "gluten free options" online. In reality this doesn't mean they have gluten free wraps or bread for sandwiches or hamburgers. They offer to serve it without the bread. While technically I get the fact that it is gluten free, it doesn't make it a gluten free option. Also, it's a kids museum... Why are there only two high chairs in all of the building. Two very dirty high chairs. Kids often come with siblings... And those siblings often need high chairs. There should be a high chair available for every table. Three stars because the exhibits were worn down, the cafe isn't as accommodating as they advertise and they fail to take into account actual needs of families.

Even as a college student I had a lot of fun visiting the museum! My boyfriend and I spent most of the day looking at all of the exhibits! It is very interactive and there is stuff that people of all ages can enjoy! I definitely plan on going back again and I would recommend this place to anyone that's looking for something fun to do!

The RM&SC is a wonderful, innovative, educational and fun place for people of all ages. The museum has only gotten better over time. RM&SC has the ability to capture the minds of all that visit, often in many unexpected ways. Great place to take school aged kids on their days off from school or if you're alone and just want to get out of the house and walk around an enriching atmosphere.

My son loved the little climbing jungle gym thing but the rest of the exhibits are old and out dated. Also they seriously need to work faster to fix the hands on exhibits that were out of order... Only saving grace was that our admission was free...

I have never been so disappointed in RMSC. We are members and honestly this makes me question renewing. I contacted RMSC on 2/12 as my son heard a commercial advertising that you would have a Scarlett macaw on display. I was told by the employee that they "there would be a Scarlett macaw per Kevin but I'm not sure which day, but most likely Tuesday" I should have been skeptical from this first communication, but I let it go. My son has a report due on the Scarlett Macaw and seeing one in person was very important to him. When we arrived today, the individuals at the front desk had no idea what we were talking about and told us to "try the raptor display" although they didn't know where they were set up, nor did they even try to ask anyone else. As expected the raptor folks did not have a Scarlett macaw, we asked 2 other employees, they didn't know and didn't bother asking anyone else either. After an hour or so we returned to the front desk, and again were met with blank stares and shrugged shoulders. It's one thing if you are an employee who doesn't have the answer, but it would be nice if you could train your employees how to pick up a phone or radio to someone else who might have the answer. This passive attitude is extremely disappointing. My son is very upset and I couldn't do anything. Disgraceful ***update, I contacted RSMC on Tuesday, 2/19. I finally received a voicemail at 5:50pm on Friday 2/22. By then, animal week was over.

I love the museum, I could spend all day in there wandering around and reading through all of the different exhibits, even though I have seen them so many times. The Tesla Coils are awesome - if you haven't seen them these are worth the price of the museum admission. The After Dark events they have are always such a good time. If you have never a attended one - you should definitely do that. The traveling exhibits are hit or miss, I love the Dinosaur exhibits that come through. The Divinci exhibt was awesome. Highly recommended if you have a weekend afternoon with nothing else planned.

I haven't been to the RMSC since I was a young child. It was so great coming back and checking out all of the awesome exhibits. I loved checking out the wildlife exhibit, and the dinosaur section was my favorite. Just a really fun place for the kid inside, no matter how old you are.

This is a fun place for kids of all ages. I saw a place for toddlers to do puppet shows. In addition, the stuff that looked like fun: sand play area, boats in water with levees, smoke maker, underwater video camera, rock climbing, rope pulleys to lift your weight, tennis cannon. I loved the interesting hands-on exhibits that the museum offered. There was even "ripley's believe it or not" and a room full of fossils. I saw there were virtual reality motion cars for older kids (teens?). There was a young man who was showing kids how to make frog skin which was cool. I liked the Benjamin Franklin art piece made of keyboard buttons. Super cool! It states that if you visit twice that the membership pays itself...hmmm. There was a rope bridge that looked like a playground piece but was closed which would have been fun for kids to get their runnies out...oh well. Save it for next time. Warning: it does get crowded on cold wintry days, but it's well worth it.