Information
Landmark: Jones Center for FamiliesCity: Springdale
Country: USA Arkansas
Continent: North America
Jones Center for Families, Springdale, USA Arkansas, North America
The SEE Science Center is an interactive science museum located in Manchester, New Hampshire, USA.
Visual Characteristics
The SEE Science Center is housed in a red brick building with a prominent clock tower. The interior features open exhibition spaces with various interactive displays and educational materials.
Location & Access Logistics
The center is situated at 200 Bedford Street in downtown Manchester, approximately 0.8km (0.5 miles) south of the Merrimack River. Parking is available in the adjacent municipal garage, accessible from Elm Street. Public transport options include the Manchester Transit Authority (MTA) bus routes that service the downtown area, with stops within a 2-minute walk.
Historical & Ecological Origin
The building originally served as the Amoskeag National Bank, constructed in 1915. It was later repurposed to house the SEE Science Center, which opened its doors in 1992, aiming to provide accessible science education.
Key Highlights & Activities
Visitors can engage with over 100 hands-on exhibits covering physics, biology, and chemistry. The center features a planetarium for astronomical presentations and hosts regular workshops and demonstrations. The "Build It" area allows for construction and experimentation.
Infrastructure & Amenities
Restrooms are available on-site. Limited shaded areas are present in the immediate vicinity. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong within the building. Food vendors and cafes are located within a 5-minute walk in the downtown area.
Best Time to Visit
Weekdays during school hours are typically less crowded. For optimal lighting for photography of the exterior, late afternoon provides direct sunlight on the facade. The center is open year-round, with no specific seasonal weather considerations impacting indoor activities.
Facts & Legends
The clock tower on the building has been a downtown landmark for over a century. A local anecdote suggests that the original bank vault door, though no longer functional, remains within the building's lower levels.
Nearby Landmarks
- The Palace Theatre (0.3km North)
- Millyard Museum (0.6km Northwest)
- Currier Museum of Art (1.1km West)
- Amoskeag Falls (1.5km North)