New Detroit Science Center - Detroit, MI - science and technology learning center and museum

Home to the state's only IMAX Dome Theatre, the New Detroit Science Center is located in Detroit's Cultural Center, an area that includes a number of museums, libraries, and other places of interest. Visitors of all ages can participate in hands-on experiments, see live demonstrations, and learn more about the world of science at this museum.

Michigan philanthropist Dexter Ferry founded the New Detroit Science Center in the 1970s. He believed that children in Detroit deserved the same opportunities as children in other major cities, but there were no major science centers in the area. In 1970, he opened a small center in an old car dealership building, and construction began on an official center in 1976. They shut down for nearly two years for major renovations, and since reopening in 2001, they've have over a million visitors.

Today, one of the highlights of the New Detroit Science Center is the IMAX Dome, which was originally called an Omnimax. When it was constructed in 1976, it was only the second of its kind to ever be built n the United States. The dome is over 67 feet in diameter, and films on this screen have a unique 3-dimensional effect.

The New Detroit Science Center has over 110,00 square feet of exhibits, labs, and other learning opportunities. In addition to the IMAX Dome, they have a digital planetarium, a hall for temporary exhibits, and number of theatres and stages. They have five main exhibit laboratories where guests can see demonstrations and participate in science experiments - the General Motors Motion Laboratory, the Waves and Vibrations Laboratory, the Matter and Energy Laboratory, the Dow Foundation Life Sciences Laboratory, and the SBC Children's Gallery.

The learning center also has a children's center called "Kids Town,'' which is a permanent exploration center for younger guests. Catering to children ages five and under, Kids Town has a play kitchen where kids can learn about mixtures, as well as areas for them to crawl and play while learning about the laws of nature. Kids Town adheres to guidelines set by the Michigan Board of Education for pre-kindergarten and early childhood learning, and they run a number of programs throughout the year to foster excitement about science in children.

One of the most popular attractions at the New Detroit Science Center is their Dassault Systemes Planetarium. This three-story-high dome uses digital technology to allow the museum's experts to move the star field as you'd see in nature, rather than providing guests with just a traditional fixed view of the sky. They also provide show kits for some of their productions, which include slides, soundtracks, education materials, and other items to help children continue learning at home or in the classroom.

The New Detroit Science Center is open seven days a week, with weekday hours from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM and weekend hours from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. General admission tickets are available at a number of price points, depending on what guests intended to do while at the learning center, and they have membership options available, which include free admission for a year with your contribution. Visitors can learn more by calling 313-577-8400.