Saint Louis Science Center

About

The Saint Louis Science Center is one of the top free science museums in the country, drawing over a million visitors each year to its sprawling campus in Forest Park. With hundreds of interactive exhibits spread across multiple buildings, it's a place where curiosity drives every visit.

The main building, Science Center, connects via a skybridge to the James S. McDonnell Planetarium across Highway 40. Inside, you'll find exhibits covering everything from dinosaurs and ecology to space exploration and engineering. The GROW Pavilion and Gallery focuses on sustainability and agriculture, giving visitors a chance to explore where food comes from and how ecosystems work.

The OMNIMAX Theater is a standout experience. Its five-story domed screen wraps around the audience for immersive films on nature, space, and science. Planetarium shows in the McDonnell Planetarium bring the night sky indoors with stunning projections and live presentations.

Hands-on exhibits are the heart of the Science Center. Kids and adults can build structures, experiment with simple machines, explore optical illusions, and interact with live demonstrations. The energy and enthusiasm on the exhibit floors make it clear this is a place designed for doing, not just looking.

General admission is free, which makes it easy to visit often or drop in for just an hour or two. The OMNIMAX Theater, planetarium shows, and some special exhibitions do require tickets, but these are reasonably priced. There's a gift shop and a cafe on-site for breaks between exhibits.

Parking is available in the museum's garage, and the campus sits right along MetroLink light rail, making it reachable by public transit. Forest Park surrounds the campus, so you can pair a Science Center visit with time at the zoo, art museum, or other nearby attractions.

Whether you're planning a family outing or a solo afternoon of exploration, the Saint Louis Science Center delivers real science in an approachable, engaging way.

Accessibility

The Saint Louis Science Center is designed to be fully accessible to visitors with mobility, sensory, and cognitive needs. Elevators and ramps serve all public areas, including the OMNIMAX Theater, the McDonnell Planetarium, and the GROW Pavilion and Gallery. The skybridge connecting the main building to the planetarium is also accessible.

Wheelchair-accessible seating for the OMNIMAX Theater is available via the third-floor theater entrance, providing convenient access without navigating stairs. Wheelchairs are available for loan free of charge at the front desk on a first-come, first-served basis.

Accessible parking is available in the on-site parking garage. Accessible restrooms are located throughout the facility. The main entrances are fully accessible.

For visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing, a gallery tour with American Sign Language interpretation is offered on the third Sunday of each month. Many exhibits are hands-on and visual, which naturally supports a range of learning and sensory styles.

Service animals are welcome throughout the museum. The free general admission policy means visitors can take breaks, step outside, and return without worrying about ticket costs, which can be helpful for visitors with sensory sensitivities or fatigue.

For the most current information on specific accommodations, assistive devices, or to arrange group accessibility needs, contact the Science Center directly at (314) 289-4400 or visit their accessibility page before your visit.

More accessible places in Missouri

• Gateway Arch National Park (St. Louis)
• Missouri Botanical Garden (St. Louis)
• Saint Louis Zoo (St. Louis)
• Saint Louis Art Museum (St. Louis)
• Gateway Arch (St. Louis)
• City Museum (St. Louis)