Science Museum of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN

The Science Museum of Minnesota in Saint Paul, Minnesota is a non- profit organization. It was created in1907 as a place for locals of Minnesota to visit and learn about science and research. The facility is a combination of scientific exhibits and research with a public science education center and school outreach programs. Also onsite is an IMAX convertible Dome Omnitheater. Audiences can see a number of movies at the location all having to do with science and space.

The building that houses the museum is 370,000 square feet. It was built to overlook the Mississippi River. Inside the structure is only 70,000 square feet of exhibition space with a 10,000 square foot section for temporary exhibits. The permanent exhibits run the gambit of paleontology, technology, the human body, people, culture, and physical science. Much of the people and culture is based on the Mississippi River. Employees at the museum number about 600 full time individuals with part time staff and volunteers numbering in the 1,000s.

The idea for the museum was started by a luncheon at the Minnesota Club with Charles W. Ames and other St. Paul businessmen. Ames felt it imperative that some site be offered for scientific growth, most especially for hygiene and sanitation lessons. Thomas Irvine was part of the meeting and offered his financial support.

The first building was at the home of the St. Paul Auditorium on Fourth Street. Scientific specimens and other collections were brought to a talk. Finally in 1907 the group had enough exhibits and support to incorporate beginning the St. Paul Academy of Natural Sciences. These early collections have become the permanent exhibits, among others, at the Science Museum.

By 1927 the museum was placed in the Merriam Mansion on Capitol Hill with renovations over the years to house the numerous growing exhibits. The space was not enough to contain the growing needs of the center, so it was moved to 30 East Tenth Street in 1964. The current riverfront location came about in the 1990's.

Hours of operation at the Science Museum of Minnesota are Sunday through Wednesday 9:30am to 7pm and Thursday through Saturday 9:30am to 9pm. Showtimes for the theater can change throughout the year and depending on the movie being brought in. It is important to check before visiting that a show is offered. Non member prices are $17 for adults and $14.50 for children and seniors. Children are considered ages 4 through 12. For the theater the cost is $8 and $7 respectively. If one wants admission to the museum only it is $11 for adults and $8.50 for children and seniors over 60.

Exhibits at the Science Museum include an anthropology display which shows artifacts of various cultures. There is also research ongoing regarding the archeological and anthropological sciences in which scholars and scientists can perform ethnographic research and collecting to add to the displays. In the biology realm there is also research in which volunteers and students at the University can become a part of.