Situated in the heart of Midtown Detroit is a world of wonder waiting to awaken curiosity and pique interest in all aspects of STEM learning. A Smithsonian affiliate, Michigan Science Center (also known as Mi-Sci) is more than just a place for education; it’s also alive with excitement and filled with fun for all ages. And, it’s steps away from other top attractions in the area, including The DIA and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.
What’s inside this geo-domed building at the corner of John R and Warren? Let’s take a look!
Hands-On Experiences
Much of what’s available at Mi-Sci is meant to be interreacted with, but there are several key areas that are all about participation. Kids Town, geared toward the five-and-under crowd, is among the favorites. There’s an arcade with digital and analog games, a STEAM lab, areas for imaginative play, a digital library, a theater, a sports arena, and a fun water feature.
Spark!Lab Smithsonian offers self-led opportunities to create, experiment, problem solve, and collaborate in a variety of science, technology, engineering, and math disciplines. Here, visitors can transform from spectators to innovators and inventors!
Kids and families can also stop in the STEM Playground to learn the fun side of how things work; conquer Math Mountain; or traverse the 80-foot-long Mini Mac Bridge in the Roads, Bridges, Tunnels engineering gallery.
Galleries and Exhibits
The exhibition spaces at Mi-Sci combine visual displays with ways to engage, providing a full understanding of the different subjects. The Space Gallery, in particular, is both mind and world expanding. From the sun, earth, planets, galaxies, and the universe as a whole, to the technology that allows for space travel and exploration… it’s all here to marvel at. And, there’s even an area to build a human habitat on Mars, challenging the next generation to contemplate the concepts of surviving and thriving.
In the Health Gallery, visitors can learn about nutrition and fitness and how they contribute to greater wellness. And, in “Waves and Vibrations,” it’s all about sounds, colors, and reflections as demonstrated through lasers, a walk-in kaleidoscope, and more. There’s also the Motion Gallery, which provides a primer on matter and energy through various components and phenomena.
Earth. Wind. Weather., which is sponsored by General Motors, contains 10 interactive exhibits that delve into the forces that have shaped the planet, from ocean waves to geysers to avalanches, and more. Plus, there’s a 12-foot tornado simulator!
Movies, Shows, and Live Performances
There’s more to see on the big (big!) screens and under the spotlight. On the Science Stage, there are live presentations featuring large-scale experiments, including rocket launches and chemical reactions, that demonstrate that science is all around. These shows engage the audience and reinforce their motto: “We put YOU at the center of science.”
There’s also a three-story-high IMAX® Dome Theatre, which is the largest theater in the state of Michigan. What’s playing alternates between weekends and weekdays, with a rotating selection of films and shows, as well as special laser and music productions around different holidays.
The Toyota 4D Engineering Theater provides an immersive, four-dimensional experience both on the exterior walls and with the presentations inside. The shows focus on STEM-related content and are intended to captivate the senses in a variety of ways.
While the Planetarium is currently closed, it will re-open in the fall of 2025. More information about what’s to come can be found here.
Youth Programs
As part of its mission “To inspire curious minds of all ages to discover, explore and appreciate science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in a creative, dynamic learning environment,” Mi-Sci offers a number of programs for kids of different age groups.
The STEMinista Project® connects girls and trans/non-binary individuals from 4th to 8th grade with role models in different STEM fields, empowering them imagine themselves in a STEM career. The program involves trainings, workshops, panels, live interviews, and other resources. This is an application-based opportunity, with more information and a link to apply here.
Junior Navigators, for Detroit 7th and 8th graders, is free and also available only by application. The 10-week program has two cohorts per year: one in fall and one in spring. Participants will explore space science, study with experts, and use NASA-funded visualization software, OpenSpace, to create a planetarium show for Mi-Sci guests.
For Detroit-area 10th-12th graders, there’s The Explainers Project in which high school students are paid to learn about Mi-Sci operations. There’s a 12-week training that educates participants on different museum pathways, followed by a year-long mentorship in the student’s chosen pathway, whether it’s exhibits, stage shows, theaters, or guest services. Those interested must apply.
In addition, there are Spark! Camps during summer break and scouts workshops available.
General Information
The best way to keep up with what’s happening at Mi-Sci is to follow them on Facebook or check their website. Note that they have periodic Free Days that are typically announced in advance.
Mi-Sci is open Tuesday through Sunday and closed Mondays. They are occasionally closed for private events, so be sure to check ahead of a visit. Ticket packages can be purchased here, and for members, there are perks, including discounts on theater tickets and free admission to much of what the museum has to offer.
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