Saint Louis Science Center

Saint Louis Science Center: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Attractions Guide for 2025

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction

The Saint Louis Science Center, located in the heart of Missouri’s Forest Park, is a leading destination for hands-on science exploration, education, and community engagement. As one of the most accessible and visited science museums in the United States, the Science Center blends a rich legacy dating back to the Academy of Science of St. Louis (1856) with forward-thinking exhibits and programming. Open to all with free general admission, it offers a welcoming environment for families, students, and science enthusiasts of every background. This comprehensive guide details visiting hours, ticketing, must-see exhibits, accessibility features, travel tips, and nearby attractions—ensuring you can make the most of your visit to this celebrated institution (Saint Louis Science Center, Explore St. Louis).

Historical Overview and Mission
Visiting Hours and Admission
Ticketed Attractions and Membership
Key Exhibits and Special Experiences
Accessibility, Amenities, and Visitor Guidelines
Travel Tips and Getting There
Events, Programs, and Community Engagement
Dining, Shopping, and Family Services
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Nearby St. Louis Attractions
Summary and Planning Tips
References

Historical Overview and Mission

Founded from the Academy of Science of St. Louis, the Science Center stands as a beacon for science learning. Its mission is “to inspire everyone to be curious and engaged in science,” with a vision of fostering an equitable and inclusive society where science drives community empowerment. Under the leadership of Dr. Ray Vandiver, the Center emphasizes inclusivity, innovation, and community partnerships (SLSC About, PR Newswire).

Key values:

Inclusivity and Equity: Free general admission and ADA-compliant spaces ensure accessibility.
Innovation: New exhibits like the GROW gallery highlight the evolving journey of science and agriculture.
Community Empowerment: Programs and partnerships broaden access and deepen impact.

Visiting Hours and Admission

Standard Hours (Summer 2025)

Thursday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Tuesday & Wednesday: Closed
Last entry: 30 minutes before closing

Hours may change seasonally or for special events. Always check the official hours before planning your visit.

Admission

General admission: Free
Ticketed experiences: OMNIMAX® Theater, special exhibitions (e.g., “Pompeii: The Exhibition”), and Discovery Room require paid tickets
Discounts: Available for students, seniors, military, and groups

For ticket purchases and the latest pricing, visit the ticketing page or call 314.289.4424.

Ticketed Attractions and Membership

OMNIMAX® Theater

Five-story IMAX® Dome with Laser technology
Separate admission required (OMNIMAX® Theater)

Special Exhibitions

Rotating attractions such as “Pompeii: The Exhibition” and STEAM-focused art installations
Tickets required; photography (without flash) is generally permitted (Pompeii: The Exhibition)

Discovery Room

Hands-on activities for children; timed-entry tickets recommended

Membership

Benefits include free OMNIMAX® tickets, discounts, and special event access (Membership Info)

Key Exhibits and Special Experiences

Permanent Galleries

Life Science Lab: Hands-on biology and chemistry experiments
Ecology & Environment: Missouri habitats, sustainability, and renewable energy
Human Adventure: Explore medical history and human performance
Structures & Engineering: Interactive bridge and tower building
Energy Stage: Live science demonstrations (SLSC Explore)

Signature Experiences

James S. McDonnell Planetarium: Immersive astronomy shows on a 24-meter dome
GROW Gallery: Agriculture and sustainability, with a working greenhouse (SLSC GROW)
Fossil & Dinosaur Exhibits: Animatronic dinosaurs and dig pits
MakerSpace: Creative workshop for building and experimentation

Special Events

First Fridays: Monthly themed evenings with extended hours (Town & Tourist)
Community STEM Showcases: Annual celebrations of local scientific achievements

Accessibility, Amenities, and Visitor Guidelines

ADA Compliance: Elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms throughout
Sensory Friendly Science Time: Sundays 9:30–11:30 AM; quieter, more comfortable environment
Service Animals: Welcome
Amenities: Nursing rooms, free Wi-Fi, family restrooms, seasonal coat check

For more details, see the accessibility page.

Visitor Code of Conduct: Supervise children, respect staff instructions, and adhere to photography policies (Visitor Guidelines).

Travel Tips and Getting There

Address: 5050 Oakland Avenue, St. Louis, MO
Parking: Available at Oakland Building and Planetarium (check for any closures)
Public Transit: Served by MetroBus; rideshare from downtown and Central West End
Skybridge: Connects the Oakland Building and Planetarium over I-64

Visual Aid: Science Center & Forest Park Map

Events, Programs, and Community Engagement

Youth Programs

Youth Exploring Science (YES): Hands-on STEM research and mentorship for teens
STEM Explorers Camp: Week-long summer camps
SciFest: Themed community events and workshops (SLSC Programs & Events)

Community Partnerships

Part of the Metropolitan Zoological Park and Museum District (ZMD)
Collaborates with schools, nonprofits, and local businesses

Donor and Membership Societies

Albert Einstein Society and Galileo Society: Support educational initiatives (St. Louis Moms)

Dining, Shopping, and Family Services

Café: Sandwiches, salads, and kid-friendly meals; no outside food except for medical/infant needs
Gift Shop: Science kits, books, and souvenirs
Family Amenities: Stroller rentals, nursing rooms, and family restrooms (Explore St. Louis)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Science Center’s visiting hours?
A: Thursday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday 9:30 AM–4:30 PM; Friday 9:30 AM–7:30 PM; closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Check official hours for changes.

Q: Is admission free?
A: Yes. Ticketed attractions such as OMNIMAX® and special exhibits require a fee.

Q: Is the Science Center accessible?
A: Yes, with ADA-compliant facilities and sensory-friendly times.

Q: Are there group rates or memberships?
A: Yes, group rates and various membership levels are available.

Q: How do I get there and park?
A: By car (parking on-site), MetroBus, or rideshare. Skybridge connects the Oakland Building and Planetarium.

Nearby St. Louis Attractions

Saint Louis Zoo
Saint Louis Art Museum
Missouri Botanical Garden
Missouri History Museum and Forest Park’s trails and gardens

Combining your Science Center visit with these attractions makes for a memorable day in St. Louis (Explore St. Louis).

Summary and Planning Tips

The Saint Louis Science Center stands as a dynamic hub for science exploration and education. Free general admission, robust ticketed experiences, and a commitment to accessibility ensure all visitors can engage with world-class exhibits and programming. For the best experience:

Check current hours and ticket availability before visiting
Arrive early on weekends or during special events
Explore membership options for added value
Use the Audiala app for guided tours and real-time updates

Whether you’re attending a live science demonstration, exploring the GROW gallery, or enjoying the OMNIMAX® Theater, the Science Center offers something for everyone.

References

Plan your visit today! Download the Audiala app for real-time updates, ticket purchases, and exclusive offers. Follow the Saint Louis Science Center on social media and explore related attractions for a full St. Louis experience.