Reminder: The Institute of Science will be closed Dec. 24 - 26, Dec. 31, and Jan. 1 - 2.

Galileo: Scientist, Astronomer, Visionary | Explore Today! 

Did you know that Galileo invented the precursor to the thermometer? 

Among the many inventions created by the legendary scientist was the thermoscope - a device used to measure the heat and cold. As we enter the winter season, we are thankful for Galileo’s contributions to helping us measure the temperature to know when to bundle up! 🥶

Learn more about Galileo’s inventions, discoveries, and how his fearless work in science, physics, and astronomy, from over four centuries ago, has shaped our modern world. 

This exhibition runs through June 2, 2024. Tickets to Galileo range in price from $5 - $8 per person, in addition to general museum admission for non-members. 



The exhibition is supported by the Michigan Arts and Culture Council.

Give the Gift of Exploration! | Limited Time Membership Deal | Dec. 1 - 10

We’re making holiday shopping easy! Treat your loved ones to the gift of wonder and science exploration. Running December 1 - 10, 2023, all memberships to the Institute of Science are 10% off. Memberships can be purchased on our website, at the front desk, or by calling the membership department, with promo code, HOL10.

Winter Fest | FREE Admission | December 9

You’re invited to explore the Institute for FREE during Winter Fest, hosted by our Pontiac School District High School interns. Experience engaging winter-themed activities including:

• Un-brrr-lieveable presentations 
• Snowtastic hands-on activities
• Super cool face-painting 
• Complimentary shortened planetarium shows (space is limited - seating available on a first-come, first-served basis) 
• Holiday tunes and more!

Registration is strongly encouraged; walk-ups are welcome, but due to capacity limits, entrance is not guaranteed.

$5 Fridays After 5 | Kicking-off on December 8! 

Experience everything the museum has to offer for only $5 every Friday after 5:00pm! Kicking-off on December 8, general admission, Galileo exhibition, and Acheson Planetarium tickets will be available for just $5 each.

$5 tickets to Galileo are not available during Free First Fridays. Ticket prices for the Galileo can be found on our website.

Science Will Always Be Here! | Dec. 27 - 30, 2023 and Jan. 3 - 6, 2024 | 11:00am - 3:00pm daily



Schools may be on holiday break, but science never is! Engage your brains and explore the many hands-on STEAM activities the Institute has to offer. Explore the fascinating science behind insects, stars, dinosaurs, ancient artifacts, and more. Activities are FREE with the purchase of general admission. Visit our website to learn more.

Saturday Science | Workshops and Overnights



Looking for an experience to dive further into exploring the Institute with a private group? Or have you ever wanted to spend the night at a museum? Our workshops draw on the exhibits, collections, and resources to bring your program to life! Day or night, Saturday Science provides a fun, engaging, and awe-inspiring event for families, friends, groups, and Scouts.

Activity themes include insects, space, Galileo, paleontology, and crime scene investigation.

Badge workshops for Brownie and Junior Girl Scouts, and Tiger, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos Cub Scouts are available.

Now Playing! | Holiday Planetarium Shows | Let It Snow & Mystery of the Christmas Star



Holiday programs are back at our Acheson Planetarium. Festive shows include, Let It Snow and Mystery of the Christmas Star. Both are only available for a limited time so don’t miss out! Tickets for the planetarium can be purchased at the front desk upon arrival.

Don’t Forget! 

• exploreLAB is now open on select Saturdays, Sundays, and school breaks. Visit our website for more details. 
• Register for Free First Friday (Dec. 1), courtesy of MASCO. Walk-ups are welcome from 10:00am - 5:00pm, however registration is required between the hours of 5:00 - 10:00pm. 
• Register for Free Third Thursday (Dec. 21), courtesy of the Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan, and enjoy the museum for FREE between 5:00 - 8:00pm. You can also visit the Cranbrook Art Museum for FREE from 11:00am - 8:00pm.