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Miami Science Museum
Category: Arts & Entertainment Museums Museums [Edit]
3280 S Miami AveMiami, FL 33129
(305) 646-4236
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 10 am - 6 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
24 reviews for Miami Science Museum
Review Highlights
"They have 4 laser shows on the first Friday of every month."
(in 5 reviews)
"The Wildlife Center had owls, eagles, etc."
(in 4 reviews)
"I absolutely love the Miami Science Museum and Planetarium."
(in 12 reviews)
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24 reviews in English
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Review from Sara M.
1/13/2012
This is a review of "First Fridays," more particularly, the 3D laser light shows.
When I first read about the laser light shows which take place every first Friday of every month, I thought it sounded like it would be a really cool and different way to start off my weekend. But I had no idea. The shows play every hour, for an hour, going from 8 to midnight, with each show being set to a different artist. Typical ones are Pink Floyd, The Beatles, Bob Marley, and a family one, to name a few. The museum website, under the "events" section will let you know the lineup so you can best chose the light show of your liking.
Tickets are 8 bucks each, good deal if I do say so myself. I have been to a handful of the 3D laser light shows, each time showing up fashionably rushed, sometimes a measly few minutes before showtime. I have never had an issue getting parking, a ticket or a seat. But don't get me wrong, I am always impressed with the turnout. During my first visit, I was expecting maybe a small showing, after all, it is Friday night in Miami; who knew so many cool kids would want to dedicate an hour in a museum when they could be sitting in a swanky bar and sipping a cocktail double the cost of a light show ticket. However, each time I've come, its been packed! The most crowded I've seen it was when I went to the midnight Bob Marley. (Side note: just about every person in the place was high.) Some people bring pillows and blankets and will forego a seat for being camped out on the floor. This seems like a sure way to fall asleep to me. I usually end up drifting off toward the beginning anyhow, the shows just really seem to chill me out. And then I force myself to stay awake and watch. The museum supplies you with paper 3D glasses for your viewing pleasure, take these glasses with you and wear them outside to look at street lights.. it will blow your mind dude. "wowaaa pretty colors!"
I thoroughly enjoy First Fridays. I think it is different and a really unique, cheap and fun way to either end or start a night of festivities.Listed in: Not your average night..…
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Review from Miranda P.
Miami Beach, FL
1/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
This review is mostly for the LASER SHOWS, although I went to the museum a few years ago and wasn't particularly impressed.
The boyfriend and I decided to see the Sgt. Pepper & The Lonely Hearts Club Band laser show slated to start at 9 PM. When we arrived early around 8:15 to get our tickets ($8 each per show), there was a significant amount of people waiting for a free show that was supposed to start at 8:30. (Both shows were a bit late.) The attendants said we could watch the free show as well, but we would have to get back at the end of the line for the Sgt. Pepper show afterwards. No thanks.
We each got a pair of cardboard spectrum glasses to wear during the show. The 'lasers' looked like they were made on a multi-colored etch-a-sketch, or maybe MS Paint circa 1990. The sound wasn't so great, either - I don't think I heard any bass. The theater is ok, if you don't mind half the occupants talking the whole time and getting your seat kicked. I probably would have been more impressed if I was high. And with the next shows being Pink Floyd and Bob Marley, come on. It's like they're begging people to get baked before they watch these things. -
Review from Brenda P.
10/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
Who knew?
Certainly not me! When I attended a friend's 40th birthday celebration I was not sure what to find. Arrived and parked without a problem and breezed right into the "venue". The museum had been transformed into an unrecognizable party locale! Museum lights off, party lights on, DJ blaring and the scene was set for an unforgettable night.
The entrance foyer was the cocktail area with high top tables and hors d'oeuvres were being passed around. The back left side had been set up with tables and a dessert table. They had set up a screen with an appropriate slide show that had the usual photos you would expect at someone's 40th birthday party.
At some point we were ushered into the theatre. No, we did not see a laser light show (but you can get lots of info on that on their website. Ahhhh college memories). Instead, some of our friends put on a roast for the birthday boy. It rocked! Once that was done it was back to the museum foyer for dancing.
Now I know what a great place this is to hold an event! It was certainly news to me.
Great night.! -
Review from Rebecca K.
Miami, FL
8/22/2011
My daughter was clear. She wanted a birthday party at the Museum of Science. While this Miami landmark is sentimental to me, a native who visited as a child, my six year old loves it just as much. It's familiar, friendly and accessible. The staff is super helpful and friendly and we purchased a birthday party package right off their menu. It was great. Everything was taken care of, I just had to show up and order pizza. The Miami Science Museum took care of the decorations, room set up and clearing (whew, that alone is worth it), and entertained 20 kids for a few hours. It was awesome, for the six year old, and her working mom.
The Miami Science Museum did such a great job, we bought a membership and have been back no less than 15 weekends this year. The exhibits change regularly, and they just opened a touch tank that has sea-life. Outstanding. It's not big and fancy, but intimate and accessible. More to do, less to hassle with. Although I look forward to the new Miami Science Museum opening (currently under development), I will always adore this comfortable yet compelling place. Bravo Miami Science Museum! -
Review from Naty K.
8/12/2011
Oh my goodness, the laser light shows are awesome! Went on Friday for a back-to-back twofer of the Best of Pink Floyd as well as Led Zeppelin. It was amazing. I had last been to a laser show about 10 years ago, so it was somewhat nostalgic. It was loads of fun, and even made me forget about dinner. It was cool to see people of all age groups (teens, moms, grandmas) in line to listen to some good music, and it was surprising to see some very chic, snobby clubgoing types standing in line with their 5 inch stilettos, perfectly coiffed hair, and makeup waiting to listen to Pink Floyd, because they looked more like the Britney Spears types than rocker chicks. I would love to go again but it's hard to find people who can stand watching hours of bright lights without having an epileptic attack, being bored, or tiring their eyes.
Some drawbacks: Since they cut down the laser shows to once a month, the lines now are HUGE. I don't know why they decided to do this or who the genius was behind the idea, considering there's obviously a demand for the shows. I had tried coming about 3 months ago but the line was at least an hour's wait (people were spilling on to the street) and since the show was starting in less than 30 minutes, it was impossible and had to drive myself back home. They should increase the frequency of the shows to avoid this. I also think they should add more bands, and maybe more songs, because they play all the songs that everyone knows from the radio etc. (the "popular" songs), while some of us like more variety and the more rare/obscure songs that never get play time on the radio. -
Review from Renee D.
Miami, FL
4/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
Meh. Meh ok Fine - A-ok.
You know what's sad - is that we went on one of those free nights, and still I'm giving it 3 stars. I'm sorry. I really feel for this place. I'm rooting for it. I am. It's the only place of its kind, and for that I give you props. Could they have torn it down and put a Walmart there. Yes, they could have. But they didn't. The parking is decent. But the place needs a makeover, and some enthusiasm. And perhaps better informed information desk people. I mean - you should go. At least once. But go on a free night, and maybe where the exhibit is somewhat decent.
As for the constellation show. It was pretty decent. I did like that old moldy smell only because it reminded me of being a kid, waiting in that long tunnel line @ Thunder Mountain. I did however, get a little nausea from watching the stars spin around. We got through about 3 minutes of the presentation before my kids got restless.
FOR SABRINA C. - PS this place is ancient and nothing has changed since 1985. -
Review from Willian T.
Minneapolis, MN
5/5/2011
Okay. So, I AM from MN which has an amazing science museum, so I shouldn't complain too much, but man, I was really disappointed.
The place is really small. It's one level with maybe two/three galleries. We did get into their heart healthy exhibit a bit. There was a planetarium, BUT the shows were more aimed towards kids. I was hoping it'd be more all ages, but it was like watching a movie on their planetarium screen.
I paid the same price in Miami I could have paid here in MN to see something worth 1/5 of the price. :S Slightly still saddened, even though it's been about a year. -
Review from Stephanie G.
Miami, FL
8/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
So maybe it's my inner nerd/5 year old, but I can't help but to love the science museum. Yes, Miami's is a bit older and they do need the revamp that they'll soon be getting (pictures of the new plan look fantastic). The displays are kind of worn and cheap, the interior a bit small, and other cities do have better options. However, with all kind of different exhibits, it manages to make learning fun! Playing a skee-ball like game, feeling like you're a human top (not sure what the exhibits teach though), you can have a good time even if it isn't the snazziest of museums. While most of the exhibits are geared towards children, there are some things the adults will enjoy too.
Personally, I really like the Planetarium, which reminds you of all the beauty and constellations you can't usually see living in a city. Also, the first Friday of the month they have laser light shows for only $8/adult! Yes there are lots of drunk/high kids there too, but it is something different to do, and with the 3D glasses they give it definitely makes for a unique experience. Watching neon shapes form and contort to music is pretty relaxing, and they have a few different shows a night so you can choose between Pink Floyd, Bob Marley, or whatever other show they're offering that night. Check their website for all their latest schedules and upcoming events.
Look online for different events that they offer, and ways to get a discount if you can to avoid feeling like you got ripped off. Fun for children and for adults (at least the planetarium and laser show), worth stopping at least once if you live in Miami. Definitely looking forward to seeing the new, re-done Museum too! -
Review from Luly R.
Miami, FL
9/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Today we had a free entrance todayand we enjoyed the stay all day. They had exhibits: heart smart , energy works and they let you "pet" stingrays! The planetariums and shows are entertaining. Parking is easily accessible and free. Entrance fee includes shows and planetarium.
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Review from Carla L.
10/20/2008
Ok I will start out with the fact that yes, I am quite spoiled having visited what has to be the most amazing Science museum in the USA. The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago.
Now knowing how amazing that one is, I knew that of course others are not going to compare.
The planetarium is good, very good. Other than that, no. Wow... so, so not great.
Sometimes they will have some really fun special exhibits but mostly for the price there is so much to be desired. I won't go again nor would I take anyone.Listed in: NOT a fan!
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Review from Cristy M.
5/12/2010
I'm not going to review Miami Science Museum as a, well, science museum. Instead, I'm going to focus on their events calendar and what the site has to offer in terms of cultural events. Specifically, I want to note the free star shows that happen at the Planetarium on the first Friday of each month at 7:30 p.m.
I love free star show Fridays. Granted, they're really nothing special. The first five minutes or so is the week's episode of Jack Horkenheimer's "Stargazer" (available here, as well: http://www.jackstargaz.... Afterward, is about twenty minutes of stargazing thanks to Planetarium technology, with a focus on the Miami night sky as it is on the days surrounding the Friday. Mostly, there's a focus on what Horkenheimer noted about what's going on with the stars and planets.
Though I've yet to do it, after the star show (and weather permitting), the museum/planetarium open up the roof top observatory for people to look up through their telescope.
The last two times that I've gone, the attendees have been invited to attend lectures and events that are going on once the show lets out in the museum. In May, it was a tropical fruits lecture and food/drink was provided. Though I didn't stay, I would have liked to. Other commitments kept me from attending.
This being said, Miami Science Museum has a ways to go to catch up to the snazzier science museums and planetariums in its market. Still, things like the Friday night star shows and lecture series are really nice, short events that we're lucky to have and I encourage people to come with me all the time. It's good for kids and adults. My friends and I usually go before dinners and shi-shi foo-foo artsy events. It's a nice way to start off the weekend. I highly recommend it. -
Review from Eve C.
5/18/2009
I honestly wasn't expecting much when I headed to the Miami Science Museum on a recent weekend expedition with some visiting family. But, to have the gall to charge me $18 per person for it? I mean, c'mon!
The museum itself looked like it had seen better days. The exhibition rooms looked hap-hazardly put together. The room leading to the Planetarium could have held much more exciting science exhibits, but we definitely had the most fun making shadow puppets against the white screen with the primary-color lights shining on it.
The Music/Musica exhibit was probably the most interesting exhibit at the place, and even that was a little too disjointed for my tastes. It pretty much ran through the entire history of Latin American music broken down into about 5 or 6 "regions." Interesting, yes. Worth the price of admission, no.
There was also an exhibit on the Megalodon, the largest shark to ever have lived. But seriously, there are only so many shark teeth I can look at before I get bored.
The snake and other wildlife were pretty cool. But I felt like I shouldn't have to see a bald eagle chained to a tree stump because it is "disabled" and allegedly wouldn't survive in the wild. While that may be true, it doesn't mean I should be made to watch as it continuously tried to escape its confinement.
Overall, definitely a "meh" experience. I most likely won't be back, and I won't recommend it to any out-of-town guests either. -
Review from Jamie C.
10/13/2010 3 photos
Maybe I'm spoiled because I grew up going to museums in NYC. I guess I was expecting a lot more just reading about this place online. Sounded really cool but was so disappointed. We went on the a Saturday when they have the free entrance to Bank of America members. My boyfriend and I got in for free but they charged $11 for our son. (other museums didn't charge my son on Bank of America days)
The place is so small, you can walk the whole place in about 15 minutes. A lot of the displays were cheap plastic models on the wall. I thought museums were suppose to display real things. There were animals tied up outside. The birds were tied down so that they were stuck in one position. I really felt bad for the birds.
We sat in on a dinosaur presentation which was pretty interesting. I didn't get to see the planetarium show. Will have to go back. -
Review from Rachael H.
Hialeah, FL
10/15/2010
I love the Miami Museum of Science. Growing up, my dad would take me here, and I love coming back to see how it's changed. I'm also a Science freak so I love seeing the new exhibits. Albeit, there are bigger museums, but worry not, there are plans to open a new Museum of Science by Bayside in 2014, with construction starting in Fall of 2011, or so I've read.
My favorite thing though are the laser shows held every first Friday of the month, each month is a different thing. I go almost every month! -
Review from Stein D.
Miami Beach, FL
8/1/2008 1 photo
Jebus!
I'm surprised there is no review/info on this place. It only gets 4 stars out of 5 because the killer nighttime laser shows doesn't account for the bummer museum--only fun for 10 and under.
NOW BACK TO THE LASERSSS!
You must, must, MUST experience this at least once, or you are not truly a miamian. Just $7 for adults, $4 for kids
The Planetarium hosts laser shows on the first Friday of each month and on special occasions e.g. National Astronomy Day and December Laser Fest. Shows are created for the music of The Doors, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Bob Marley, Radiohead, The Beatles, and Outkast, to name a few.
I wish they had this every Friday, because I'd get to it more often. But without giving to much away, just know it's spectacular, and this review is based on a SOBER experience of it. Needless to say, if you choose to experience it in a different manner, don't get there too early or you might freak out waiting in line...
;) -
Review from Ralph V.
Hollywood, FL
8/18/2009 1 photo
Granted, Miami Science Museum isn't much to write home about, but there is enough to yelp about. The price for what you get isn't really fitting. It's $18 for non residents and $13 for their children. If you live in Dade county the price is a little less, about $15 per adult and $11 for children. Under Three is free for both. If you become a member entry is free, however, I think once you've seen the exhibits, no need to return again. If the membership included the laser light shows, then it would be worth it.
When you first enter the building you are greeted with a giant, (although not actual size) self spinning globe. The kind of science that doesn't impress many, but my wife had fun with it.
There is a cute show about magic that is shown in the theater behind the globe. The kids in the audience really loved it. This theater is old, and in need of a sprucing up, much like the rest of the building.
Right now they have two exhibits of note. One is about Megalodon, a giant pre-historic shark. This includes a iron skeleton that you can walk into. I have a bit of a problem with this in that sharks don't have skeletons.
The other exhibit is CSI: Crime Scene Insects. If you are a fan of CSI they have a documentary playing on the wall with some of the cast members, but be warned, if you don't like bugs, it might be creepy or disgusting to you. My favorite part of this exhibit is the live, stop-motion animation of the life cycle of the fly. They do this with a spinning platform under a strobe light to give the illusion of motion.
The planetarium is the saving grace of the museum. The shows aren't all that special, but the laser shows are...
Every time I've gone there has been a full house. I am not the only one that loves putting on my laser glasses and laying on my back to watch images put to music. They have 4 laser shows on the first Friday of every month.
The bad thing about it that is each show requires it's own ticket and at $7 per 1hr show, I sometimes feel they need to add some new shows to their repertoire. One can only watch Pink Floyd so many times. Also, regardless of whether you paid for the next show, you must exit and get in the back of the huge line for the next set. If you have never been to a laser show, and you enjoy classic rock, you need to check it out. It can be a blast, if you are with the right company.
No matter what you think of this old Miami icon, it won't be here forever. They are opening a new Miami Science Museum in downtown Miami, soon enough. I hope they still have the laser shows. -
Review from Rob A.
Miami, FL
1/31/2011
I have fond memories from my childhood as a young student taking several field trips to MiaSci. It was always fun to explore the new exhibits and Wildlife Center. Today, I am 24 years old and love going back. I am a tech geek, so I'm a fan of how the museum is using/promoting green tech and using social media tools to stay in touch with the community. Tourists and Miami residents should visit MiaSci! You will definitely learn something!
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Review from Yuna A.
Shrewsbury, MA
2/26/2011
Not a museum for adults. Childish exhibits and dumbed down lazer-shows that give you a massive headace when you find your way out!
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Review from Kristy Q.
7/26/2010
Volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters is giving me a chance to visit lots of kid places. I brought Little Sister here on her request this weekend. I recall having gone as a kid myself and although it was never all that, it was always a fun way to spend a day.
As Dade County residents, we each paid $9 (by saying I was a student- no ID asked for). We were given a map and showtimes guide.
First, we headed out back to the Wildlife Center. We saw the Birds of Prey presentation where poor Little was absolutely disgusted to watch the birds tear rats limb by limb LOL We had to jet out of that a bit early. Luckily, they recently opened a Human Yo-Yo lift in the Energy Garden which was really cool. We checked out some of the animals in the area as well.
Inside, we stopped in the boring Intel Lab with a bunch of fossils, bones and gems which don't look all that interesting since it was made to look like a garage sale of junk. We started playing a game in the Vital Lab where you shoot and kill the germs inside the human body. When we tried to restart the game to play again, we had to walk away. It had been a full 15 minutes and it was still stuck in some halfway educational, half way really bad acting theatrical introduction. We played some and took some pictures around an area that taught different things about cars, fuel and alternate energy sources. Next, we visited the Heart Smart area which is really UM conducting a survey on human health. We danced on a large lighted dance floor. Last, we visited the Cabaret Mechanical Theatre. Whoever chose this exhibit should reconsider their job. This is cute if you show maybe 3 of them but, to showcase almost two rooms of this is absurd.
All of the employees/volunteers really do their best to make sure you are having a good time and learning. We went to a live science show in the theatre and bless the man's soul- he was really trying his best- but, holy moly was that boring! Little asked to leave the show.
The planetarium is and will always be the museum's saving grace! We caught a show before we head out and it was a favorite for us both. I have also been to the planetarium many times in the past 8 years for First Friday laser shows. If you live in Miami, this is one of those must do things. Laser shows are mind blowingly awesome. It's too bad that many people in the crowd don't respect the experience like we used to back in the day. Last time I went, people would just not shut up:/
The museum has so much potential with an amazing location and enough space to occupy several exhibitions. Someone needs to be more choosy and try to bring better content to the museum. If you decide to come, pack a lunch and picnic at one of the tables outside.Listed in: Museums & Parks
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Review from Helena P.
Miami, FL
1/21/2011
I absolutely love the Miami Science Museum and Planetarium. Their exhibits are fun and engaging, and kids -and adults! - of all ages can roam and explore. I love their Heart Smart exhibition and their vehicles exhbition. But my favorite is the wildlife center, where you can see owls and bald eagles up close. Impressive! Can't miss it.
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Review from Mike K.
Miami, FL
10/8/2008
I agree with the most recent post. This place was REALLY disappointing. "Worlds in Motion" was laughable, even for kids. You could conceivably walk your way through the whole place in 15 minutes. The only good part about the renovation process is that they only charge you $10 (half price) for admission. Even at that price though, it's hardly worth it.
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Review from Lisa L.
Rockville, MD
9/28/2008 3 photos
Wow..I thought this museum would be fun. It's so dull. Most of it is under construction. We saw "Worlds in Motion" at the planetarium...educational but kinda outdated. Exhibits that were open were so small. The Wildlife Center had owls, eagles, etc. We finished the whole museum in about an hour. Maybe things are better when it's done with renovations.
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Review from Alex R.
Pompano Beach, FL
1/31/2011
I recently went to the Miami Science Museum with my wife and stepdaughter. Having grown up in DC, do not expect something the size or scope of the Smithsonian, however, this is a great place for a family to spend an afternoon taking in the exhibits. Friendly staff and the dance floor were highlights for me. My wife, having grown up locally, remembers it fondly and enjoyed taking her daughter.
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Review from Jocelyn T.
Miami, FL
6/15/2009
I took my son, at the time he was 3, to see the Chinese dinosaur display and that was ok. However, the museum itself sucks, so without the dinosaurs it is boring with nothing really to see. My son also enjoyed the dino planeterium show. I don't recommend this place at all. Rip-off to get in too and nothing to do. Needs major updating.
