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Permanent Exhibitions

Three levels make up the fun in our interactive Hall of Ideas designed for toddlers through grade school students. This handicap-accessible space traces the spiraling evolution of civilization in the Great Lakes Bay Region. Advancing through each level, visitors learn about Michigan’s geological formation and early inhabitants, and explore the interconnection of science and art.



Endless Discovery

Along with family-friendly interactive exhibits in the Hall of Ideas, visitors can explore these areas as part of our Museum's 14,000 square feet of gallery space.

Electricity Exhibits

Learn about the power of electricity with interactive mesmer tube and plasma tube exhibits. Thrust your energy into the hand-crank generator to power the light bulbs and then move objects using the robotic arm.

Young Explorers Corner

A special area for children ages 5 and under that inspires learning through hands-on play and helps to develop cognitive, social, emotional and physical skills through developmentally appropriate learning experiences.

BONUS! Join us for Story Time every second Wednesday of the month at 9:30 AM. This Young Explorers activity is included with general museum admission and is free for members.

Science on Stage Shows

Join us on Saturdays and Sundays for interactive shows like ‘Science of Sound’ where we show how waves make music and ‘Magic of Electricity’ with hair-raising demonstrations using our with our Van de Graff generator. Show schedule varies, please see our daily show schedule during your visit.

ViewSpace

ViewSpace entices and mesmerizes visitors with high resolution celestial images, including recent photographs from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope, digital movies and animations, interpretive captions and evocative space music. See it in our Discovery Zone.

Exhibit made possible by the Todd Gunkler Memorial Fund and Alden B. and Vada B. Dow Family Foundations

More to Know

Never been to the museum?

Learn more about what to expect with our First Timer's Guide.

We Love School Groups...

Discover how educators can make the Hall of Ideas part of their curriculum.

Birthday Parties

Include the Hall of Ideas as part of your child's birthday. Customizable party packages.

Campers Wanted!

Kids love playing in the Hall of Ideas and Discovery Zone at our camps. We love they're learning.