The New Detroit Science Center – Detroit, Michigan
Enter the world of the Detroit Science Center and you are walking into 110,000 sq. ft. of scientific exploration that will have you enthralled with all they have to offer. There is Michigan’s only IMAX Dome Theater that will offer movies to take your breath away. Along with the theater is the state of the art digital planetarium, the Ford Learning Center, the DTE Energy Sparks Theater, The Chrysler Science State, and 8,700 sq. ft. of Science Hall showcasing traveling exhibits. There are 5 exhibit laboratories named the General Motors Motion Laboratory, the Dow Foundation Life Sciences Laboratory, The Waves & Vibrations Laboratory, the Matter & Energy Laboratory and SBV Children’s Gallery along with a Special Events Lobby. All of this is waiting to take you on a trip of scientific excitement.
IMAX Dome Theater
The IMAX Dome Theater stands 3 1/2 stories tall and is 67 1/2 feet in diameter with outstanding sound systems to bring everything to life as you watch the sights of the movies wrap around you. This experience is awesome so if you have never been to an IMAX be sure to visit this one!
Dassault Systemes Planetarium
The Dassault Systemes Planetarium will put you in the midst of more than 9,000 stars, plus planets, galaxies and the harsh conditions of the planet Venus is all there for you to experience. Travel to space without ever leaving earth! You will be able to experience a phenomenon lie a Supernova explosion while in the planetarium surrounded by the 13,000 watt Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. This planetarium differs from others in that it provides computer generated images that have the ability to move in vibrant ways with more than 40 different special effects projectors.
Kids Town
Visit Kids Town where little scientists can become veterinarians, test the laws of physics or learn about mixtures and solutions in the kitchen of their very own diner. If that isn’t what they want to do then they can just splash around, crawl and play. This area is designed for children under 5 years of age.
With live demonstrations the art of science comes to life. You will interact with the stage performers as they conduct educational programs and presentations on topics like those of the human body, music, space and many other things. The Chrysler Science Stage shows are presented several times throughout the day and are FREE with general admission.
Energy Sparks Theatre
At the Energy Sparks Theatre you will see demonstrations on how electricity affects the world and how electricity and magnetism interact with matter. This will truly make your hair stand on end! Now, most people would think this is just for kids, but as an adult how often do you get a chance to really go back to when we could do things that were really fun without people thinking we “were acting like kids?” Here’s a chance to experience the fun of electricity and stand your hair on end!
Hours: Summer hours for the science center are : Monday – Friday 9 am – 5 pm; Saturday and Sunday 10 am – 6 pm.; Fall hours are: Monday – Friday 9 – 3 and Saturday and Sunday 10 – 6.
Ticket Prices: you can by combo tickets to help you save while enjoying more things at the center. Choose from the following options if you want to go the combo ticket path (Chrysler IMAX, Dassault Systemes, Planetarium show)
- Combo 1- Includes General Admission and your choice of 1 option. Prices are $12.95 for adults and $11.95 for children and seniors.
- *Combo 2- Includes General Admission and your choice of 2 options. Prices are $16.95 for adults and $14.95 for children and seniors.
- *Combo 3- Includes General Admission and your choice of 3 options. Prices are $19.95 for adults and $16.95 for children and seniors
- *General Admission – May be purchased without the addition of IMAX or Planetarium. General admission is $7.95 for adults and $6.95 for children and seniors. Children under 2 receive free general admission.
Get the Last Show Discount: Saturday and Sunday: Save $5 with the last show of the day on Chrysler IMAX® Dome Theatre or Dassault Systèmes Planetarium tickets purchased after 4:30 p.m. at the Science Center!*
*This discount may not be combined with any other offer including group or member rates.
AAA Discount: Show your AAA card and receive $2 off each adult and $1 off each senior and child general admission. This discount can be used for up to four people. This discount may not be combined with other discounts and may not apply during special events, particular days or seasons.
The Detroit Science Center reserves the right to change prices, times and programs without notice. Their programs are subject to availability. General Admission may be purchased without the addition of IMAX or Planetarium. Children under 2 receive free general admission. Ask about Their special discounts for ASTC members.
They accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Traveler’s Checks and U.S. currency.
General Admission includes Chrysler Science Stage presentations, DTE Energy Sparks Theater demonstrations and their six exhibit labs! General Admission does not include the Chrysler IMAX® Dome Theatre, Dassault Systèmes Planetarium or special events and exhibits.
Location: 5020 John R. Street, Detroit, Michigan 48202
Preferred Parking Lots
- Cultural Center Lot
- Enter on John R Street, north of Farnsworth
- Open Mon-Thu, 7am-7pm; Fri, 7am-10pm; Sat, 8am-10pm; Sun, 9am-6pm
- $5 per day; $3 after 4pm
- Cultural Center Garage (DIA Underground Lot)
- Enter at Farnsworth, East of Woodward
- Mon-Sat, 7am-12am; Sun, 9am-9pm
- Daily maximum rate: $7
- WSU Lot (Parking Structure # 3) (aka Rackham Garage)
- Enter at westbound Warren, between John R & Woodward
- Open Science Center public hours
- $5 a day
- WSU Lot (Parking Structure # 6) (aka Welcome Center Garage)
- Enter at Putnam, between Cass and Woodward
- Mon-Sat, 5:30am-12am; Closed Sundays
- $1.00 every 20 minutes. $10.00 Max. weekdays
- $4 after 4pm weekdays and Saturdays.
- (Rates subject to change)
Directions From Major Freeways
For construction updates and possible detours, please go to http://www.michigan.gov/mdot.
Southbound I-75 (Chrysler Freeway)
Take the Warren Ave. Exit (Exit #53A), and turn right on Warren Ave. Go west two blocks to Brush Street (which is one-way heading north) and turn right. Go one block to Farnsworth, turn left, and go west one block to John R Street (which is one-way heading south). Turn left on John R; the entrance to the Science Center parking lot is on your left.
Northbound I-75 (Chrysler Freeway)
Take the Warren Ave. Exit (Exit #53A), and turn left on Warren Ave. Go west two blocks to Brush Street (which is one-way heading north) and turn right. Go one block to Farnsworth, turn left, and go west one block to John R Street (which is one-way heading south). Turn left on John R; the entrance to the Science Center parking lot is on your left.
Southbound US-10 (Lodge Freeway)
Take the Forrest/Warren Ave. Exit, and turn left on Forest (which is one-way heading east). Go east four blocks to Woodward Ave. and turn left. Go north three blocks to Kirby St. and turn right. Go east one block to John R Street (which is one-way heading south) and turn right. Go south two blocks; the entrance to the Science Center parking lot is on your left.
Northbound US-10 (Lodge Freeway)
Take the Forrest/Warren Ave. Exit, and turn right on Forest (which is one-way heading east). Go east four blocks to Woodward Ave. and turn left. Go north three blocks to Kirby St. and turn right. Go east one block to John R Street (which is one-way heading south) and turn right. Go south two blocks; the entrance to the Science Center parking lot is on your left.
Eastbound I-96 (Jeffries Freeway)
Take I-96 east to the I-94 Ford Freeway (exit #190A). Take the East I-94 Port Huron ramp on to I-94. Follow the directions for Eastbound I-94 below.
Eastbound I-94 (Ford Freeway)
Take the Woodward Ave. Exit (exit #215C), which brings you off the freeway at John R, a one-way street heading south. Turn right on John R and head south approximately six blocks; the entrance to the Science Center parking lot is on your left.
Westbound I-94 (Ford Freeway)
Take the Woodward Ave. Exit (exit #215C), and stay on the service drive for three blocks. Turn left at John R Street (which is one-way heading south). Head south approximately six blocks; the entrance to the Science Center parking lot is on your left.