Museum of Science & Technology (MOST) | Syracuse

The Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology (MOST) is a premier science museum located in downtown Syracuse, New York, specifically in the vibrant Armory Square district. It’s designed to engage visitors of all ages with interactive, hands-on exhibits that explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in accessible and exciting ways.

Location and Setting

MOST occupies about 35,000 square feet in a historic building, combining the charm of its architecture with modern, cutting-edge displays. The museum's address is 500 S. Franklin Street, Syracuse, NY, making it easy to access by car or public transportation. Nearby parking includes metered street parking and the Trolley Lot.

Museum Hours and Admission

Hours: MOST is open Thursday through Sunday from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. It also operates daily during school breaks and certain holidays.

Sensory-Friendly Hours: On the third Sunday of each month, from 9:00 to 11:00 AM and 4:00 to 6:00 PM, the museum offers a sensory-friendly environment designed for visitors with sensory sensitivities.

Admission Fees:

Adults: $18

Youth (ages 2-15) and Seniors (65+): $14

Children under 2: Free

MOST Members: Free entry

Veterans, Active Military, NYS P-12 and Homeschool Teachers, and First Responders: Free (plus one guest)

Museums for All (EBT cardholders): $2 admission

National Grid ExploraDome Film: $4 for members, $6 for non-members

Permanent Exhibits and Features

MOST hosts a wide range of interactive exhibits, designed to educate and entertain:

Innovation Station: Celebrates local inventions and the history of technological innovation in the region, showcasing how inventions have shaped society.

Dino Zone!: Features life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, fossil digs, and paleontology exhibits that immerse visitors in the prehistoric world.

Earth Science Discovery Cave: An interactive area where visitors can explore geological formations, minerals, and fossils, learning about Earth’s natural history.

Energy: Powering Our Future: This exhibit focuses on sustainable energy, teaching about renewable resources like solar and wind power and the science behind energy use.

Gem & Mineral Gallery: Displays an impressive collection of glowing minerals, gemstones, and fossils with educational content about their formation and properties.

Life Sciences: Interactive exhibits covering human biology, anatomy, and health science, allowing visitors to learn about their own bodies.

Machines & Makers: Hands-on engineering and physics activities where visitors can build, experiment, and learn about mechanics and design principles.

Rothschild Apothecary Shop: A historic pharmacy exhibit recreating a turn-of-the-century apothecary, giving insight into early medicine and science.

Science Playhouse: An indoor play structure focused on physical and sensory play, ideal for younger children.

Space Gallery: Showcases authentic NASA equipment and space imagery, providing a window into space exploration and astronomy.

Telecommunications Lab: An exhibit that traces the evolution of communication technologies from telegraphs to modern-day devices.

World of Pollinators: Includes an interactive climbing wall and exhibits about bees and other pollinators, emphasizing their ecological importance.

ExploraDome Planetarium

A highlight of MOST is the National Grid ExploraDome, a state-of-the-art digital planetarium with 6K resolution that offers immersive science films and star shows. Visitors can experience stunning visuals and learn about space, nature, and technology through films like The Arctic: Our Last Great Wilderness and Space: The New Frontier. Tickets for the ExploraDome are purchased separately from general admission.

Educational Programs and Events

MOST frequently hosts workshops, camps, lectures, and special events aimed at students, families, and educators. Programs cover a broad range of STEM topics and often include hands-on activities, guest speakers, and science demonstrations.

Visitor Experience and Accessibility

The museum is family-friendly and designed to be accessible to all visitors. It provides sensory-friendly times for guests with sensory processing needs and offers free admission to certain groups to ensure inclusivity.

Summary

The Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology is more than just a museum—it’s a vibrant learning hub that combines education and fun through immersive, interactive exhibits. It encourages curiosity and discovery in STEM, making it an essential destination for families, students, educators, and science enthusiasts visiting Syracuse.