If you’ve always dreamed of seeing the planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and meteoroids that make up our solar systems up close, no need to jump into a rocket ship just yet — visit the Museum of Science in Boston first. The MOS is equipped with a spectacular 57-foot-tall dome that will take you on a trip to outer space that you won’t soon forget. But while the Charles Hayden Planetarium is the highlight of the MOS, the museum is not only about space. There’s also a dinosaur exhibit, a lab where you can witness a man-made lighting storm, an insect zoo, a human biology exhibit, and many more displays and presentations that will leave you a cleverer human when you finally step out of this incredible museum.
Photo: Roman Babakin/Shutterstock
This Boston Museum Has Two Movie Theaters and a Planetarium With a 57-Foot-Tall Dome
- Where is the at the Museum of Science in Boston and how to get there?
- Parking at the Museum of Science in Boston
- Hours of operation at the Museum of Science in Boston
- Tickets for the Boston Museum of Science
- Membership for the Boston Museum of Science
- Map and exhibits at the Museum of Science in Boston
- Is there a planetarium at the Boston Museum of Science?
- Is there an IMAX® film at the Boston Museum of Science?
- Is there a gift shop at the Boston Museum of Science?
- Is there a restaurant at the Boston Museum of Science?
- Can you get married at the Boston Museum of Science?
- Duck Tours from the Boston Museum of Science
- Hotels near the Boston Museum of Science
Where is the at the Museum of Science in Boston and how to get there?
The museum is located in the West End neighborhood of the city, in an area called Science Park. It is 25 minutes on foot from Old North Church, the oldest standing church in Boston, and a 23-minute walk away from Boston Common, the oldest city park in the US.
The exact address of the Boston MOS is: Museum Of Science Driveway, Boston, MA 02114, United States
If you want to avoid the city traffic, the easiest way to get to the museum is by using the subway. The subway station “Science Park/West End”, located four minutes on foot from the entrance to the museum, is serviced by branch E of the Green Line (GLE). The Green Line easily connects with the Orange Line, and Red Line that serve downtown, and with the Blue Line that serves Logan International Airport. Consult Boston’s subway map to plan your journey.
Parking at the Museum of Science in Boston
The Boston MOS has its own garage open from 5 AM to midnight daily (no entry after 11 PM from Sunday to Thursday.)
Fees for parking in the Museum Garage start at $15 for one hour and increases the longer you stay. Payment can only be done with a debit or credit card.
If the Museum Garage is full or if you want a cheaper option, park in the garage of the CambridgeSide shopping mall, less than 10 minutes away on foot.
Hours of operation at the Museum of Science in Boston
The Boston MOS is open from 9 AM to 5 PM seven days per week.
Various films, shows, and presentations are scheduled throughout the day. Please check the daily schedule on the museum’s website so you don’t miss any on planetarium shows, 4-D films, and more.
Tickets for the Boston Museum of Science
Tickets for the Boston MOS must be purchased online in advance to secure your visit.
Admission to the museum is $29 for adults; $24 for children aged between three and 11; $23 for seniors over the age of 60. Children under the age of three enter for free.
If you want to add a planetarium show or a movie viewing to your day at the museum, you’ll need to pay $6 extra and book in advance to secure your spot.
Those who wish to enter the museum only to catch a planetarium show or a movie can do so by booking a seat online in advance. Adults pay $10; children between the ages of three and 11 pay $8; seniors pay $9. Children under the age of three enter for free.
Membership for the Boston Museum of Science
Members of the Boston MOS enter the museum for free and get discounts on planetarium shows and movies, as well as at the parking garage, the gift shop, and the museum café.
There are various membership plans to suit all visitors’ needs, starting at $100 for one member and one guest. All memberships lasts one full year.
Map and exhibits at the Museum of Science in Boston
The Boston MOS is spread over three levels and three wings: the blue wing, the green wing, and the red wing. Permanent exhibits include an insect zoo, a hall dedicated to human biology, an area that focuses on mathematics, one that is devoted to dinosaurs, a live animal care center, and more. There are also two movie theaters and a planetarium. The Boston MOS also hosts traveling exhibits throughout the year.
Check out the museum map for a better look at the permanent exhibits that interest you the most and where they are located.
Is there a planetarium at the Boston Museum of Science?
The museum is home to the Charles Hayden Planetarium (and its 57-foot dome), located in the red wing on level one. Several planetarium shows are scheduled daily with a variety of themes, including “Destination Mars: The New Frontier”, “God, Science, and our Search for Meaning”, “Moons: Worlds of Mysteries”, and more.
Is there an IMAX® movie theater at the Boston Museum of Science?
The museum has two movie theaters: the 4-D theater for viewing 4-D movies, and the Mugar Omni Theater where you can view IMAX® films. There is a large variety of IMAX® films projected throughout the day, including “Jane Goodall: Reasons for Hope”, “Everest”, “Serengeti”, and many more.
Is there a gift shop at the Boston Museum of Science?
The Museum Store is located in the red wing of the museum, on level one, across from the Riverview Café. The Museum Store is open daily.
Is there a restaurant at the Museum of Science?
The museum is home to the Riverview Café, located in the red wing, on level one. A variety of food is on offer, including hot beverages, baked goods, sandwiches, pizzas, burgers, etc.
Visitors are allowed to bring their own food, but cannot consume it in the café or in the exhibition halls. Instead, they may use the picnic tables behind the museum, or sit in the Atrium, also located in the red wing, on level one.
If you’d rather enjoy a meal outside of the museum, check out Matador’s selection of nine surprising and delightful Boston restaurants for Italian food, sushi, and more.
Can you get married at the Boston Museum of Science?
Yes, you can host a private event, including a wedding with between 100 and 250 guests, at the museum. There are several indoor and outdoor reception areas on offer and your wedding guests even get tickets to visit the museum.
Duck Tours from the Boston MOS
Boston Duck Tours start from the entrance of the museum. Tours take place daily and depart on the hour, starting at 10 AM until one hour before sunset. All tours last around 80 minutes. Tickets are available for purchase online or at the ticket booth located by the entrance of the museum.
Hotels near the Boston Museum of Science
If you’re looking for a rental, check out Matador’s list of the best Airbnbs in Boston. if not, take a look at Matador’s selection of fine Boston hotels near all the must-see attractions. 
We hope you love the hotels we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.