"What’s this place all about?The Museum of Science spans the length of the Charles River, connecting up-and-coming East Cambridge to Boston’s West End. Once known as the Charles River Dam Bridge, Science Park is home to one of the world’s largest science museums, which inspires visitors in a city known for its heavy-hitting contributions in the discipline. The scale of the museum’s mid-century building is apparent from other parts of the city and it becomes even clearer when you arrive at the lobby. With 700 exhibits, this is a place to get lost. Ideally, you could spend a half-day or more soaking up fascinating finds in every corner of this sprawling institution. A museum's permanent collection is its defining feature: How was this one?It’s hard to sum up the collection with brevity given the vastness of the subject matter it covers. With an emphasis on all STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields, the three-floored museum includes a planetarium, an insect zoo, both an IMAX and a 4D theater, hands-on activities, and an exhibit devoted to human biology. But exhibits are what keep us coming back. What can we expect?At any given time, the museum hosts four exhibitions that range from a winter wonderland of model trains to one devoted to space exploration, and anything in between. One recent hit took a look at the science behind Pixar computer animation, while another examined climate change with floor-to-ceiling video screens showing how rising sea levels, increasing temperatures, and wildfires affect UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Venice, Giza, Rapa Nui (Easter Island), and Colorado. What did you make of the crowd?The abundance of cool things for young people to experience makes the Museum of Science a destination for families, Girl Scout troops, and classes of elementary school students. You’ll see clusters of kids roaming this huge museum with chaperones or parents. Any guided tours worth trying?Sadly, the Museum of Science doesn’t offer guided tours. Wander its exhibits on your own and make time for one of the fascinating live shows. The all-time favorite “Lightning!” reveals the power of the world's largest open-air Van de Graaff generator by (safely) facilitating natural lightning with 5,000,000 volts of electricity. Gift shop: obligatory, inspiring—or skip it?The gift shop’s best bets are for a younger crowd. From geode kits to NASA pillows, these treats make great stocking stuffers and are an excellent way to lure kids into bringing science home with them. Is the café worth a stop, or should we just plan on going elsewhere?The food court may be mediocre, but it has beautiful views of the river. Take it in with a cup of coffee from the Starbucks counter and then head back into Boston for a real meal. Any advice for the time- or attention-challenged?Because the museum caters to such a wide age range, must-hit spots vary depending on your group. Regardless of your interests, the lightning show is endlessly enjoyable. Time your visit around one of the thrice-daily shows in the Theater of Electricity." - Elizabeth Wellington
