Rochester Museum & Science Center

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 café… 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 café isn’t as accommodating as they advertise and they fail to take into account actual needs of families.

Sentimentality may be skewing my rating, I have grown emotionally attached to this place. We’ve been members for a year and have visited probably 50 times. Maybe more. The allure is simply that each time we visit, my sons have fun. The museum-​y exhibits are interesting but naturally the 4 and 1 year olds are more attracted to the water and sand table, or perhaps they feel like navigating a boat through a pair of canal locks, and when that’s been done we can jump around in a mini ball pit but usually get distracted by the vacuum tube ball mover. After seeing dozens of balls perfectly sized for small hands swirl down a giant funnel (think those stupid coin funnels you never have enough pennies for), we head to the frogs! An array of frogs and toads are currently on display on the top floor. Along with the many hoppers, there’s also a cozy reading circle with puppets and books ranging from silly to fact filled, as well as a few hands-​on stations to give a better understanding of frogs and frog life.
Each floor of the museum could easily take a whole day. There are «hidden» treasures throughout, like the aforementioned ball pit on the mezzanine floor that you can only access through the old elevator (or stairs) near the East Ave entrance (which isn’t an entrance any longer). Or the hollow tree and row boat on the second floor (near the same elevator). Also by the old entrance, you’ll find hopefully clean but probably disgusting dinosaur costumes accompanied by dinosaur books of all sorts. While the top floor is advertised as the fancy frogs exhibit, there’s also a large table with simply wood blocks that invite anyone to create imaginatively, leading to a construction zone detailing different aspects of building. The Inventor Center expands on this, asking for ingenuity to harness the wind from random supplies. The challenge changes after a few months, and you’ll be allowed as much time as you need (during the hours the exhibit is open which vary from RMSC hours).
Though much of the museum would be considered too advanced for my boys, no one ever chases them off or gives me the «why are you here» glare. Patience, caring, and flexibility seem to fill each museum representative we’ve met. Perhaps because we come during the week and it’s not overly busy, or perhaps because they recognize us (three loud redheads are not hard to remember). Even during the busy times like winter break week, there’s a sense of freedom to explore and have fun doing it.
My son recently celebrated his 5^th birthday here. I am a big fan of simple home parties — balloons, cake, open presents and play with friends. However, we don’t have a home at the moment, and so I figured the next best thing would be to have a party at our favorite kid-​friendly spot. We did a birthday package with planned activities and it was so easy, but I guess that’s probably anywhere you pay for a party. Three activities are included ($ 250 basic package) and the party coordinator called a week ahead to discuss our options. They have suggested age ranges for everything from making slime to owl pellet dissection… I chose catapults (paper soup cups and plastic spoons fashioned into eraser launchers the kids were then allowed to fling at stacks of cups), film canister launches (each kid gets to fill a tiny canister with vinegar and baking soda tablet and watch in giggly anticipation as it explodes), and live animal presentation (the birthday boy picks out a few to see up close from the dozen or so they have in the Carson Inquiry Room — this included an albino corn snake around his neck and I was mortified). The party host was calm and patient, even when we ventured through the museum to the frog exhibit (and the no-​running rule was not well observed …). Somehow she even got them to sit still and listen while she made ice cream with liquid nitrogen. I can’t say enough about the party experience.
I can’t say enough about the museum overall. From a «regular» day, to the summer camps (I don’t think I have enough space to tell you about those, but they were great!), to the best kids party I’ve ever been to. We’ll be back whenever we are in town, and it’s definitely on my list of reasons Rochester is a great place to raise a family and I am heartbroken to leave!

The Rochester Museum and Science Center is an excellent educational science museum full of wonderful, stimulating hands-​on exhibits. Though learners of any age will enjoy the countless interactive exhibits, this museum is best for children ages 1 – 18. One of my favorite areas is the «How Things Work» exhibit which includes mechanical demonstrations of how traffic lights, light switches, brakes and thermostats work. I dare you to try and get the traffic light to function properly! Aspiring architects and inventors, or anyone who likes to build things, could spend an afternoon tinkering with the keva planks and the stations in the inventor center. Younger children marvel at the Under Construction exhibit on the 3^rd floor where they can put on construction hats and goggles and pretend to fix plumbing, lay bricks, or even operate a mini crane (which of course makes for adorable photo ops). Toddlers will also really enjoy the mezzanine level which includes a ball pit, and other fun attractions as part of the Raceway exhibit. The first floor is also really stimulating for all visitors with the Exhibition Earth exhibit. This is the classic natural history part of the museum with mastodon skeletons, dinosaur skeletons, a glacial ice cave, interactive screens, an earthquake simulator, and timeless dioramas which I fondly remember from my childhood. If you’re hungry on a nice day, bring a picnic lunch and dine outdoors in the beautiful herb garden. Or in the basement, Mario’s Café offers really affordable dining options with some healthy gems on the menu. RMSC also hosts many fun 21+ after hours events which are very popular and fun to attend. It’s nice to drink a beer and hangout in a beautiful museum setting, though equally fun to wander the museum when it first opens without crowds. Family membership is a steal at $ 83 per year as the museum is best experienced in many small trips, plus it includes free admission to star shows at the planetarium, free or reduced admission to hundreds of reciprocal museums including our neighbors in Buffalo, free admission to the Cummings Nature Center which is a great place to see beaver dams, and discounts on classes and special events.

Nostalgia gives it the three stars because the museum needs some help! We went to the holiday laser light show at the planetarium this past weekend. The kids were restless and bored almost the entire time. It was just okay. They enjoyed the planet exhibit beforehand and the few different setups they had on display. The laser show was very weak! Perhaps a change of staff is in order?

The Rochester Museum and Science center is great for several reasons.
First — it’s fun at any age. From being a kid until now I have always loved coming here. I’ve been to a few temporary exhibits and they really do a classy job putting them together. If there’s ever an exhibit in town that won’t be permanent, I suggest looking into going!
Second — they host EXTREMELY fun parties. No riff raf, plenty of local Rochester people to meet and talk with, a dance floor with a DJ (at the museum?!?) yep! You’re not restricted to one area and you can still get your education on while drinking a glass of wine!
Lastly — the museum is one of a kind and this is always a great place to visit and support Rochester. Spending time at the museum is always rewarding some way or another.

Not just for little kids! Had a great time today with our 16 year old son. Tesla exhibit was amazing, as was the new frog exhibit and the nanotechnology exhibit in the planetarium building. I was worried we wouldn’t have enough to see in the 3 hours we were there, but wow was I wrong! Could easily have spent the whole day! Much bigger place than it looks from the outside. And many, many interactive areas. Loved it.

Lots of great exhibts for all ages! Had a blast!
Don’t miss the Tesla show! It was incredible!

So I’m ⁵⁰⁄₅₀ about this place. I love the science portion and wish there was more of it. The museum part was not what I expected. It was a bit on the boring side, don’t get me wrong I love history but this was just not entertaining.
I maybe should have gone to the Strong Museum instead. The exhibits needed some up keeping and a couple of the rooms smelled like mildew. Almost missed the museum entrance twice. It was not marked very well.
Loved the information and show about Tesla. Really enjoyed it. The new sphere exhibit was great. The gals presenting showed a lot of different statistics. Didn’t get to see any of the other buildings.

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.

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 1^st 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.

Visiting from out of state and took my 10 year nephew and grandmother. They both liked it very much. Lots to see and interact with. Clean, not crowded, big place and the exhibits were interesting and educational.

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 museum is located in the heart of Rochester’s cultural district with access from East and Park Avenues. There are essentially three venues: the Museum, the Planetarium, and an auditorium/​ball room (that is available to rent). The museum is great for kids with interactive activities and rotating exhibits. Logistically there is food on site and there is a good amount of parking in the two lots on site.

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.

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!

The Rochester Museum and Science Center is the place to go for ever changing exhibits done routinely each time you visit. They are a host to a variety of high class events in the Rochester area, such the Da Vinci Party. With 4 floors of entertainment and educational fun, you can end up spending an entire day here. Don’t be a afraid of the size, just go all out for the experience! Now let’s talk about the main show on stage right now, and its none other than Leonardo Da Vinci himself… he was «Uncorked, and on Tap».
Uncorked and on Tap was one of the most incredible experiences of my life, seeing over 50 food and wine vendors scattered across the entire museum!!! I got to enjoy seeing the giant mastodon with a refreshing beer from 3 Heads Brewing Company. Speaking of beer, Rohrbach’s Beer Company graced us with there presence next to the Earthquake machine in Exhibition Earth. It was hard to balance my drink, while standing on this ground shattering earthquake simulator. Even Climbing Vines Craft Ale Company joined in on the beer excitement over the T-Rex.grrrrr.
Downstairs in Adventure Land it was a toast to homemade Vodka, Bourbon, Gin, and of course Wine. I started with the Home Town Brew Distillery, where Mark Phillips did a excellent job of showing me how to make a raging cocktail with homemade moonshine, and potato vodka. In fact he was so insightful about the process, that he truly had the insight to see into other human beings. Trevor Demott did a great job with his craft beer from The Lost Borough Company, while I waited in line to get into the Virtual Ride Simulator of Lake Ontario. I also have to give a shout out to Leonard Oaks Winery who gave me some great advice «Paul there is going to be a lot vendors here, pace yourself, your doing just great». Immediately right after I went to the Weather Station with endless rows of gourmet foods from TOP local chefs around the Rochester area. Jakie from Char graced me with delicious risotto meatballs, while i gave a simulated weather report. Jim Hall the Executive Chef from North Coast Food Company made a delicious pulled pork brisket with lamb chops. Owl House made an awesome Date Salad with fresh scallops inside. After giving out my weather report, I was off to the Da Vinci Exhibit.
Before I stepped a foot in to see the Mona Lisa, Damiani Wine Cellars was very pro-​active at refreshing my wine glass. It was neat to learn about the various works and inventions of one of greatest geniuses of ALL time. I enjoyed watching the adults in suits, and ball-​gowns play around with the Da Vinci inventions. Even the Artisan Cheese Club passed out various cheeses over Da Vinchi’s spinning wheel. The Mona Lisa was the dessert I needed after a long night, and it helped that Lisa’s Quality Catering and Café was there. Endless rows of pastries and desserts, I hope no one smeared the Mona Lisa.
Of course I can’t forget about those Native Americans that graced a couple of exhibits at the museum. It is always great to get a re-​cap of that part of history. Finally, the educational seminars at the museum are the extra added bonus that you need. In my case I was honored with the presence of Elle Andrews from Flight Wine Bar, who gave a class on learning about sugars and acids. Mario’s helped with the catering during the class, as I dropped a delicious Alfredo ravioli on the floor next to Elle Andrews.
Overall: A World of Exhibits, Leonardo Da Vinci, ALL the Food and Wine Vendors, Lake Ontario Ride, Earthquake Simulator, T-​Rex, Mastodon, The Weather Station, and the Native Americans… I close out this night while sipping a glass of wine from Vizcarra Vineyards while looking at the Museum Gardens out the Grand Window… I will be back.

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!

Saw the Tesla electricity Show and the Leonardo Davinci tour. We also saw a presentation on some interesting animals. A great experience for the whole family!

Lots of fun for kids and adults! Lately I’ve really loved the adults only events! Tonight is dinosaurs!

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.