RMSC (Rochester Museum & Science Center)
RMSC (Rochester Museum & Science Center) things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Amazing! Wonderful account of our local history. I appreciated how they focused on the local region's history, which is rich in diversity & substance. Reading the signs next to the displays reminded me of how my father's ancestors were land grant families in western NY. It also reminded me that while the natives lived in harmony with nature, they too had skirmishes & took other natives' hunting land, ... Wars & taking land was & is still part of world history. This museum makes no excuses. It teaches us history, plain & simple. It also showed how since the early 1500s, the natives have mixed with European genes, resulting in natives appearing to be of European origin, yet genetics do not lie. The 1st settlers to the Americas were of Asian origin & heritage. Most mixed with Europeans, probably starting in the early 1500s. We've had 500 years of mixing genes in the Americas, but don't get it twisted. Asians discovered "America" 12,000 to maybe 25,000 years ago. Then perhaps Polynesians or such 1,000 years ago, along with Vikings 900 years ago, or so. The ancient Japanese island people too, earlier than Columbus. My dad's ancestors came here in the early 1600s. Nothing to sneeze at. I'm proud of my heritage too. I remember as a youth growing up in Webster, near our house was a stream in an apple orchard. We used to find flint arrowheads once in awhile, lining the stream bed. Back then, we did not realize the great history of the natives in the area. It is good to teach children early & often about native and European local history, so they appreciate both. I wish I saved those arrowheads, but we threw them into the creek. Once I found a US penny dated 1840 in front of my family's yard, the date Webster was incorporated. I donated it to the Webster museum. I wondered if they ever displayed the penny. They should have. It might have been in Webster since 1840. You never know. 12/31/19; I brought my friend. We had a blast. Interesting educational black history exhibit.
P.
00
RMSC has so many cool and interesting exhibits and play structures for 2-99 yrs old. First ample free parking is always appreciated. By the entrance there is a tennis ball cannon exhibit that you can pull a rope to have air pressure launch the tennis ball skyward. The wonders of water section has this glowy jellyfish like structures you can climb onto. There is a paid tornado machine to experience category one hurricane. An interactive display of lift lock with trains showing the mechanism of the system. Electricity Theatre on the top floor was something amazing. Using lightning to zap into music and audience were invited to participate on stage as well. There's hover ball challenge, dinosaur bone digging, glacier exhibit, volcanoes and earthquake formation section. There are so many individual experiment and exhibits demonstrating the mechanism of a lock, car brake, gears, blinkers...etc. Best of all, if you have a membership to one of the ASTC participants, you get in for free which I did with my Ontario Science Centre membership. There are restrooms everywhere and there's a cafe in the basement serving pizza slices, turkey sub (yummy) and chef salad and ice creams. You can eat indoor or outdoor. Overall a great place to visit.
Steven Shih
00
As far as a MUSEUM goes this one is fantastic. That being said, this place is meant for field trips and schools, as it's way better than a school day, but comes up short for a family day. I scoured reviews and looked for photos of exhibits but came up with very little information before we went. I took a 9 year break from RMSC and decided to take the kids back this week. The kids are 27 , 11 , 7 and 5 years old. Though they tried their best to keep a positive attitude, this was misery for them. We covered the entire museum in under 90 minutes. Though something here or there would get their attention for say, 60 seconds, we really struggled here. We arrived at 12:15 and there was NO parking. They are charging too much for this museum. It's a museum. It's mostly look at the exhibits and walk around. And frankly kids don't want to do that. 10-12$ pp would have been reasonable. They are charging "play museum" prices but come up beyond short. The museum is amazing. For a school trip. For a learning environment. But we do not consider this a fun family day.
Trista Samson
00
Was very disappointed at the misrepresentation of price. When we called we were told that admission for participants of the "Museums for all program" was $1, when we arrived we were told $4, and then we were charged $9.50. We pointed out that the math didn't add up, but the woman behind the counter wasn't bothered by our facts and charged us nearly $100 for a trip that was supposed to be $10. Shame on them. I guess they must be hemorrhaging money if they have resorted to this. As far as the museum- it's a bit outdated, and has had many of the same exhibits since we moved here. Many of the attractions don't even work. The 2nd floor hasn't changed in a couple of years.. Also, a lot of activities are closed for COVID-19, or just aren't working. They turned their theater into chair storage. See pic. I hate to compare it to my previous city's science museum, but OMSI in Portland OR puts this place to shame. Get with the times people. If you'd like a good museum experience in Rochester, go to the Strong Museum.
Dov Chastain
70
This Rochester Museum & Science Center was Spectacular! What an Amazingly Educational Place. It's Not Just for Children; but, for Adults as well. After Receiving a Military ID Discount for Entry...My eyes didn't even now WHERE to Start. So, I went to the TOP Floor and worked my way Down to the bottom Floor Cafe. I really REALLY was intrigued walking thru the Whole Indigenous Native American Wing. Learning about First Nations and ALL the Amazing Artistian, Beads, Pelts, Pottery, their Lifestyle and History. EVERYTHING was Brilliant. The Rest of this Museum was also very informative. Education about Beaver, Blue Heron, Mammoth, Dinosaurs, The Different Lakes, Rocks & Minerals, Fish, The Solar System, Musical Instruments, Sound waves, Water, Friction, etc... This Science Museum is the Perfect Place to Bring anyone of any age. There's even a Gift Shop.
Beverly M Chapman
00
Great experience for kids and adults alike! This vast museum is designed well and covers a variety of subjects, from interactive scientific stations to detailed 3D models depicting peoples from centuries past to a variety of preserved animals. This museum is definitely veered towards kids, but our group of 9 (from 15 to 55) all had just as much fun as the kiddos! One of our favorite spots was a station with video equipment set up with a green screen so you can be your own weatherman. There is a ton to do so make sure you leave early enough to take it all in or get an annual pass. Prices were 15$ per adult and 14$ for seniors but I don't remember how much a kid's ticket was. Groupon offers annual passes for either two or three adults as well as all children under 18 get in free, so check it out before visiting the museum.
Cat Happy People
00
Nearby Attractions Of RMSC (Rochester Museum & Science Center)
George Eastman Museum
West Herr Auditorium Theatre / RBTL
The Strathallan Rochester Hotel & Spa - a DoubleTree by Hilton
Village Gate Square
Memorial Art Gallery
Parkleigh
Dorje Adornments
Archimage
Central Rock Gym
Happy Feet Spa

George Eastman Museum
4.7
(1.2K)
Click for details

West Herr Auditorium Theatre / RBTL
4.6
(1.1K)
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The Strathallan Rochester Hotel & Spa - a DoubleTree by Hilton
4.4
(835)
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Village Gate Square
4.5
(805)
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Nearby Restaurants Of RMSC (Rochester Museum & Science Center)
Dogtown
Jines Restaurant
The Gate House
Han Noodle Bar
Blu Wolf Bistro
Jim's On Main
Aladdin's Natural Eatery
Salena's Mexican Restaurant
The Red Fern
Mark's Texas Hots

Dogtown
4.7
(1.6K)
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Jines Restaurant
4.6
(1.3K)
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The Gate House
4.5
(1.1K)
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Han Noodle Bar
4.4
(900)
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Basic Info
Address
657 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607
Map
Phone
(585) 271-4320
Call
Website
rmsc.org
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Reviews
Overview
4.6
(365 reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
entertainment
family-friendly
accessibility
Description
The Rochester Museum & Science Center is a museum in Rochester, New York, dedicated to community education in science, technology and local history. The museum also operates the Strasenburgh Planetarium, located next to the museum, and the Cumming Nature Center, a 900-acre nature preserve near Naples, New York.
attractions: George Eastman Museum, West Herr Auditorium Theatre / RBTL, The Strathallan Rochester Hotel & Spa - a DoubleTree by Hilton, Village Gate Square, Memorial Art Gallery, Parkleigh, Dorje Adornments, Archimage, Central Rock Gym, Happy Feet Spa, restaurants: Dogtown, Jines Restaurant, The Gate House, Han Noodle Bar, Blu Wolf Bistro, Jim's On Main, Aladdin's Natural Eatery, Salena's Mexican Restaurant, The Red Fern, Mark's Texas Hots

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