MIT Museum image

MIT Museum

Tourist attraction Museum Science museum Technology museum

One of the Most Reviewed Museums in Cambridge


Address

Gambrill Center, 314 Main St, Cambridge, MA 02142, United States

Website

mitmuseum.mit.edu

Contact

+1 617-253-5927

Rating on Google Maps

4.40 (3K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Sunday: (Easter), 10 am to 5 pm, Hours might differ
  • Monday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Tuesday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Wednesday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Thursday: 10 am to 5 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: museum (39) exhibits (21) science (18) interesting (17) great (13) hours (11) time (10) cool (10) interactive (10) exhibit (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Guido C. 1 year ago on Google
    A very special place. Not the usual museum more a sort of collection of examples of what the human mind can achieve. From mechanics to electronics to biology and art expression. A place where you both feel the existence of special minds and the fact that humanity, as a collectivity, can go very far.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 S K. 5 months ago on Google • 8 reviews
    The museum is small, with three floors, but it was a very useful place because it was designed to directly experience how science is applied to real life and how it changes and evolves. I realized as I was leaving that I had spent almost 4 hours in this museum. In particular, I highly recommend this museum to anyone who thinks about the connection between science and human life to have a great time.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Saied A. 3 months ago on Google • 294 reviews New
    While the MIT Museum carries a higher entry fee at $18, the experience it offers is undeniably cool and unique. Despite not being as entertaining as some other science museums, its focus on academic and technological aspects provides an intellectually enriching visit. The cleanliness of the museum enhances the overall atmosphere, ensuring a pleasant environment for exploration. Although the price may be a consideration, the distinctive experience and the museum's commitment to cleanliness make it a worthwhile destination for those interested in the intersection of science and technology.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Agustin F. 6 months ago on Google • 189 reviews
    Pretty cool museum. Great exhibits on innovation, tech, AI and the incredible work and contributions MIT has had to society as a whole. Def worth a visit. Quite educational and interactive. I for instance are not good at all at detecting deep fake AI generated videos. My son did a beautiful poem assisted by chat GPT about the sun. We also learned that typing patterns can help in the early detection of Parkinson. Scratch the visual programming language was first created at the MIT Media Lab and all the amazing contributions that MIT did in developing the software that helped the Apollo mission to the moon. And lastly we simulated what will it take to reduce global warming.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mei 1 year ago on Google
    Fabulous museum! Very pristine and interesting, with lots to do. There is also a Maker Hub for children. There is student and college discount that is helpful. The museum is easy to navigate with a large elevator and multiple restrooms. There are also free storage lockers.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mistie C. 7 months ago on Google
    I was so amazed at how fun this museum was for me! I went because my husband is a huge nerd and loves Claude Shannon, but I had a great time!! AI poetry and MIT pranks of the past were unexpectedly some of my favorites. We stayed about 3 hours - reading the stuff and using the interactive exhibits. There was a good crowd on a Saturday but the docents were great and kept people informed and moving along. I think little buddies might have a harder time (5 and under). *Great little museum store*
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ed C. 1 year ago on Google
    Some of the science in the museum really need to take some time to understand. MIT student can bring their +1 guest to enter free.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Olivia H. 1 year ago on Google
    The museum is all new and improved as of Oct 2022 so many of the old negative reviews are now irrelevant. The museum however is not irrelevant! There's things for everyone! Art? Check! Science and technology? Check! History? You bet! Often combined in the same exhibits. It ends up being about a lot more than just MIT. It's nice have a science focused museum that's meant for adults and older children. Honestly a must-see for anyone visiting the Cambridge area or need an inside activity for the day.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Max K. 3 months ago on Google • 64 reviews New
    Unique and interesting collection. Brought my 8 year old and he had a harder time appreciating the exhibits. But there was a kid workshop that he loved.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Birgitt P. 4 months ago on Google • 49 reviews
    The museum is smaller than the average museum you would go to, but you will still spend 2 hours there easily. As an engineer I loved learning about the latest advances in technology as well as learning about the evolution of science and technology through history. There are many interactive things to do while learning at the same time, great for kids and adults!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Franco 4 months ago on Google • 131 reviews
    If you’re walking around the MIT campus this is definitely a place worth visiting The museum is comprised of several floors filled with gadgets, inventions and investigations made by MIT students, covering a wide range of topics from astronomy, genetics, robotics as well as Neural Networks, computing and A.I. The rooms are spacious. The bathrooms are accesible. There’s water fountains as well as places to recharge and sanitize your phone

  • 5/5 Daniel C. 4 years ago on Google
    This museum is a great place for kids and adults. It is a fascinating blend of a science museum and an art museum. The kinetic sculpture exhibit is incredible. Other major exhibits cover ship building and the history of Polaroid camera. Parking is not provided, so you'll need to use a nearby garage or the street meters.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Katya W. 4 months ago on Google
    The MIT Museum offers truly unique and engaging exhibitions. My son, a second grader, was particularly fascinated by a hands-on lab experience. He had the opportunity to assemble an electric circuit with LEDs and a battery, learning how to connect and disconnect it to see how it works. He was so impressed that he’s eager to take his own creation to school and amaze his friends. This museum is not only educational but also inspires young minds in the most exciting ways.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Karrie C. 8 months ago on Google
    🎫 $10 student ticket with valid ID 🕔 Closes at 5pm It takes about 1.5-2 hours per visit. We went in last minute, at around 4 it was not sufficient, could only do a quick explore. Lockers are free for you to store your backpacks and stuff.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Angel R. 1 year ago on Google
    The museum is very interesting. If you're staying in Cambridge I suggest paying a visit and experiencing the exhibits
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Raven M. 4 years ago on Google
    Not quite the subject matter we were expecting but interesting nonetheless. Some exhibits are a quick walk-through like the robotics exhibit on the first floor, and some are more involved to absorb all of the material, such as the shipbuilding exhibit. I didn't have the greatest appreciation for the Polaroid exhibit because it consisted of a lot of photos that seemed to express for an obscure 'shock factor' that distracted from their scientific interest (I say this as a layman). Overall it was worth $10 but not much more. The art in motion exhibit was my favorite and I would have loved to see 10x more!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Martin D. 5 years ago on Google
    Interesting stuff for all ages! Loved the mechanical section! Check their web page before going because they have a variety of learning sessions happening. I never thought I would say this but their gift shop had some really cool items that I have never seen before.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Natty H. 1 year ago on Google
    A superbly designed new space with loads of impressive and interesting exhibits, as should befit MIT! Also, great activities for kids in the maker space areas.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Daniel H. 5 months ago on Google • 81 reviews
    Great museum. Lots of amazing innovations have come out of MIT and I am sure many more will also. Good variety of exhibits and just the right size to spend a few hours.

  • 5/5 Christopher M. 1 month ago on Google • 41 reviews New
    My girlfriend and I went here after a campus tour. We are both huge needs and had an absolute blast. There are so many interesting things to see. What surprised me was the philosophical viewpoints of the science and how they integrate that into the morality of the science. It was a very thought-provoking and interesting experience. My girlfriend didn't think she was going to enjoy it, but she wound up absolutely loving it. She said it was one of the highlights of our Boston trip. MIT is amazing.

  • 5/5 Youn S. 9 months ago on Google • 23 reviews
    Great collection that showcases the MIT community’s scientific achievements and provides a captivating glimpse into the potential future of various fields like food science, astronomy, robotics, biology, and more. It’s always interesting to see how scientists are imagining the future and researching ways to make the world a better place. While there are several interactive exhibits, I wish there were more cutting-edge robots on display. Some of the material was a bit challenging to me as a non-science person and I had the impression that a few exhibits were collecting my data for research purposes. Overall, I spent about 2-3 hours exploring the museum. The gift shop was also fun as well.

  • 5/5 graham f. 9 months ago on Google
    A great museum with lots of interesting exhibits. Plus, you get to learn of all the ways the MIT is helping to push the boundaries.

  • 5/5 Steve B. 5 years ago on Google
    Very enjoyed the museum! Despite the name, it’s not really though an MIT Museum (it has little of MIT’s history per se), but more like a museum of technology that came out of it. It’s a great spot to come alone (it’s not so large) or with friends and family, and there are some interactive activities that children can also participate (at specific hours).

  • 5/5 Subala J K. 5 years ago on Google
    Pure amazing ! Just seeing the efforts on display and the thought that went behind each of the exhibits is jaw dropping. You want to spend as much time as possible in every exhibit and try and understand how it works. If you love science, you absolutely have to go to this place. Might even be a great place to take your teen kids to get them aspiring !

  • 5/5 Kaylee M. 2 months ago on Google • 5 reviews New
    Surprisingly amazing! We didn't expect to spend so much time here, but the displays were great! Many of them were interactive and had stools to sit while you tried the activity. One of my favorites was a display where you create a poem with AI (they can turn out quite funny). We went during the genetics exhibition, which was where we spent the most time. There were so many interesting machines and art pieces to look at, and the staff was pretty knowledgeable and very helpful. They answered my questions readily. There's also a gift shop at the end. I'd recommend this museum to anyone! The ticket is a good price, and if you enjoy robotics and/or science, you'll love the displays!

  • 5/5 Charlie L. 4 years ago on Google
    Really nice little museum space right in Cambridge that’s a bargain at $10 for admission. It doesn’t have a ton of gallery space but it’s impressively curated and really showcases MIT’s focus on the intersection between art and science. There were three main exhibits, Lighter, Stronger, Faster: The Herreshoff Legacy which looks at the legacy of New England Ship Building. Gestural Engineering: The Sculpture of Arthur Ganson, which involved wonky, crank or pedal powered “Ganson” machine that spring into motion. Finally, the marquee exhibit was The Polaroid Project: At the Intersection of Art and Technology. The real blockbuster exhibit was The Polaroid Project. This was an absolute feast for the eyes. The curators did an excellent job in walking you through the history of the Polaroid and then showing you how use and techniques developed with works by over 175 artists. Beautiful space, I could have spent half a day in here. Ganson’s sculptures were awesome. Quirky, fun, at times sad and melancholy - you could stay in here for hours. (Pretty kid friendly too). The ship building exhibit was interesting, while definitely not my cup of tea, I learned a lot about the craft and the blistering pace of design to win the President’s Cup.

  • 5/5 Alice W. 8 months ago on Google
    Hey you must check it out here if you’re science nerd, like me. So much interesting tech, bio, new inventions. The collections of exhibits weee quite unique and fun. Some interactive ones as well. Worthy every penny. Cost around $18

  • 4/5 Pravin Charles V. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place, will take 45mins to an hour max so it's not really big. Large area dedicated to Herreshroff and his sail boat plans and there is one lovely section which has mechanical interactive exhibits by Arthur Ganson. Polaroid exhibition opens in October 19.

  • 4/5 Lenek A. 5 years ago on Google
    The rickety old store-front building that houses the MIT Museum is hiding in plain sight, tucked away on Mass Ave between the main campus and Central Square. Really, you have to look for it. Once you make it through a disorganized lobby/giftshop, inside is a stunning, well-curated collection of achievements in robotics, neurology, photography, engineering and other fields that can exist nowhere else. After all, this is THE MIT. Most of the exhibits are on the second floor and a couple of hours is all you need to take in the collection and catch an occasional presentation. It is fairly childproof and child-accessible. The discounts for admission are numerous so check and admission is free the last Sunday of every month September to June.

  • 4/5 Elizabeth 1 year ago on Google
    It was interesting and some of the things you can see are cool. But a lot of the content was a bit more "artsy" than I expected. There are interactive parts that are a lot of fun, especially in the robotics area. When we were there they had a lab where you could use microscopes and look at different slides - that was nice. There are elevators and bathrooms.

  • 4/5 Sara H. 1 year ago on Google
    MIT's brand new building in heart of Kendall Square, bursting with science and technology, new maker space, and quirky AI robot "history" in the making. Too bad parking costs so much, recommend bikes etc.

  • 5/5 Brett W. 9 months ago on Google
    Great science museum with many thought- provoking exhibits, both historical and cutting- edge. Top tier gift shop: all cool curios, no plushies. The "after dark" events are cool

  • 5/5 yu s. 9 months ago on Google
    It’s amazing to explore something unique and unknown.

  • 5/5 Jonathan E. 10 months ago on Google
    Fascinating museum with lots of interesting exhibits. Even exhibits on experiments they’re still currently working on

  • 5/5 Natalie D. 11 months ago on Google
    This is a wonderful museum exploring the history and achievements of MIT and its graduates. There are several different exhibitions on topics ranging from AI to gene therapy and historical ship models! The AI in particular had a lot of interactive aspects while also challenging views and debates around the technology. There's a shop on the ground floor which is very varied. Definitely don't miss the ship models- they're in a different part of the campus which is around a 10 minute walk but are really interesting and give you an opportunity to explore a little bit too!

  • 4/5 Vera L. 11 months ago on Google
    It’s a nice museum, but frankly I was expecting more new tech stuff there.

  • 5/5 Zetra Iez Z. 1 year ago on Google
    What an unusual experience! The place is filled with great things and many Interactives in the gallery. You can feel the nuance of being in one of the innovative square in the world. The ticket is not really expensive too. If you ever go to Boston, visiting this place is a must.

  • 4/5 Ayush G. 1 year ago on Google
    Interesting place to spend a couple of hours. The third floor seemed more interesting than the second floor, go there first :)

  • 5/5 Tom R. 1 year ago on Google
    Great place, lots of cool things to see but not a great place to see robots, some small stuff and some scientific robotic arms but that's about it. But a whole lot of other cool stuff

  • 5/5 John S. 1 year ago on Google
    Very captivating mix of art and science with displays about gravity waves, mRNA vaccines, AI and old computer stuff ! (very cool magnetic mouse) The jacket's patches are virus "geiger counters".

  • 4/5 Sergio Solis C. 1 year ago on Google
    I was during reopening in 2022, and it's a nice museum with lots if interesting things to see, but I think that I was expecting more new stuff and technologies to experiment.

  • 5/5 Michaela 1 year ago on Google
    awe inspiring museum with great exhibits, which really combine scientific inquiry with social justice and philosophical queries. the staff were friendly and attentive — and paid special care to children, who at the time, were building mobiles in the maker’s hub. as i understand it, the workshop changes each week! nice perks include free tickets for Cambridge residents, a minute walk from the T station (red line), and a free service to charge and disinfect your phone!

  • 5/5 Kallen T. 1 year ago on Google
    Adult admission is $18 which is pretty decent considering the amount of cool things in the museum. If you're a fan of technology and especially AI, you'd really love this museum. There's robot demonstrations and a lot of non-technological features of the museum too. There's a big emphasis on MIT, obviously. Although, be wary that the museum closes at 5pm so go a good 2 hours before then to see everything.


Call +1 617-253-5927 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Assistive hearing loop
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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