The Science Museum of Minnesota is a hands-on museum in St. Paul with exhibits on natural history, technology, and space

The Science Museum of Minnesota sits on the Mississippi River in downtown St. Paul and operates year-round. The museum is not a planetarium itself — it houses the Omnitheater, which is a separate ticketed experience inside the building. The main museum has permanent exhibits on dinosaurs, human body systems, geology, and engineering, plus rotating exhibits that change throughout the year. You can spend anywhere from two to six hours here depending on how many exhibits you explore and whether you add the Omnitheater show.

The museum is open most days from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by season and day of the week. It closes on some holidays. The building is accessible by car with paid parking on-site, or by public transit — the Green Line light rail stops nearby. You do not need to buy tickets in advance for the main museum, though buying online can save you money compared to the gate price.

Key Takeaways

  • The main museum and the Omnitheater are separate experiences with separate ticket prices, though both are in the same building.
  • General admission to the museum covers all permanent and rotating exhibits but does not include the Omnitheater show.
  • Ticket prices vary by age — children, adults, and seniors each pay different rates, and some children under a certain age are free.
  • The Omnitheater shows change several times a year, so check the museum's website to see what is playing before you visit.
  • The museum offers membership, which pays for itself after three or four visits if you plan to return multiple times in a year.

What the main museum includes and what costs extra

A general admission ticket to the Science Museum of Minnesota covers access to all permanent galleries and any rotating exhibits on display that day. Permanent galleries include the Minnesota dinosaur collection, the human body exhibit, and displays on geology and engineering. You can move through these at your own pace — there are no scheduled times or reservations needed.

The Omnitheater is a separate ticketed experience. It is a large-format theater with a domed screen that shows films about space, nature, and science. You buy an Omnitheater ticket in addition to your general admission ticket, or sometimes as a combination package. The Omnitheater has set showtimes throughout the day, and you choose which show you want to see when you buy your ticket. Different films rotate in and out, so the current lineup changes.

Some special exhibits or programs may have their own fees beyond general admission, though most of what you see is included in your ticket. The museum also has a gift shop and a café, both of which charge separately.

Ticket prices and who pays what

General admission prices vary by age group. Adults pay one rate, children (usually ages 4 to 12) pay a lower rate, and seniors (usually 65 and older) pay a reduced rate. Children under 4 are often free. The exact prices change and vary slightly by season, so check the museum's website for current rates before you visit.

Omnitheater tickets cost extra and are priced per person regardless of age, though some museums offer discounts for children or seniors. A combination ticket that includes both general admission and one Omnitheater show is usually cheaper than buying them separately.

If you visit more than once or twice a year, a membership may save you money. Memberships cover unlimited general admission for a year and often include discounts on Omnitheater tickets and gift shop purchases. The membership cost is typically recouped after three or four visits.

What to bring and what to expect on your visit

Wear comfortable shoes — the museum is spread across multiple floors and you will be walking and standing for hours. The building is climate-controlled and accessible by elevator, so you can move between levels without stairs if needed. Strollers are allowed, and the museum has family restrooms if you need to change a child.

Bring a water bottle or plan to buy drinks at the café. Photography is usually allowed in the main galleries, though some special exhibits may restrict it. The Omnitheater does not allow photography during the show. If you have young children, the museum has quieter spaces and family-friendly exhibits, but it can get crowded on weekends and school holidays.

Plan to arrive early if you want to see everything without feeling rushed. The museum does not have a time limit on your ticket — you can stay as long as you want during operating hours. If you buy an Omnitheater ticket, arrive at least 10 minutes before your show time to find your seat.

Parking, location, and how to get there

The Science Museum of Minnesota is located at 120 West Kellogg Boulevard in St. Paul, right on the Mississippi River. If you drive, there is paid parking in a lot attached to the building. Parking rates vary but are typically charged by the hour or by the day. Some nearby street parking is available but can be hard to find on busy days.

If you use public transit, the Green Line light rail has a station two blocks away. Several bus routes also serve the area. The museum's website has detailed directions and parking information. The building itself is straightforward to find — it is a large modern structure on the riverfront with clear signage.

What the Omnitheater experience is like

The Omnitheater is a theater with a domed screen that covers most of your field of vision. The films are shot in a special large-format that makes the experience more immersive than a regular movie theater. Shows typically run 40 to 50 minutes and cover topics like space exploration, natural wonders, or scientific discovery. The sound system is powerful, so the experience can be intense for very young children.

You buy your Omnitheater ticket with a specific showtime. Arrive a few minutes early to find your seat. The theater has stadium seating so sightlines are good from most seats. Some people find the domed screen disorienting at first, especially if you sit in the front rows — middle and back rows are often more comfortable for first-time viewers.

The current films change several times a year. Check the museum's website to see what is playing and read descriptions before you buy your ticket, especially if you are bringing young children or have concerns about motion sickness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own food into the museum?

Most museums allow outside food and drinks, though policies vary. The Science Museum of Minnesota typically allows you to bring your own lunch and eat in designated areas. The café is also available if you prefer to buy food there. Check the museum's website or call ahead if you have questions about their specific policy.

Is the museum crowded on weekends?

Yes, weekends and school holidays are the busiest times. If you want a quieter experience, visit on a weekday morning or during the school year on a regular weekday. The museum is less crowded in the late afternoon on weekdays as well.

How long should I plan to spend there?

Most people spend two to four hours in the main museum, depending on how thoroughly they explore the exhibits. If you add an Omnitheater show, add another hour. You can spend more time if you want to read all the descriptions and do hands-on activities, or less if you move quickly through the galleries.

Are there exhibits specifically for young children?

Yes, the museum has areas designed for younger visitors, though most exhibits are interesting to a range of ages. Some exhibits are more hands-on and interactive, which younger children often prefer. The museum website describes which galleries are best for different age groups.

What if I want to see a specific Omnitheater film?

Check the museum's website for the current film schedule and showtimes. Films rotate, so if you want to see a specific one, verify it is playing before you visit. You can buy Omnitheater tickets online or at the museum.