American Museum of Science and Energy — Attraction in Oak Ridge

Everyone was spectacular on the Department of Energy public bus tour of the three primary sites of the Manhattan Project in Oak Ridge, TN - before, during and after. They were friendly, knowledgeable, and knew what they were doing. We got there at the recommended time to check in - 8:30AM. Natasha, in the gift shop (which is amazing), checked us in & put on our neon paper bracelets. Glenda, in the lobby, checked our photo IDs, & Gene, our 2nd tour guide on the bus, gave us photo release paperwork to sign. We posed for photos, and got on a very nice bus, which had comfortable seats & seatbelts. We waited until 9AM for a few folks who hadn't arrived yet. At 9AM, they hadn't arrived, and we were on our way. Be on time!

For almost 3 hours Jerry (with Gene) shared with us the unique scientific history of the Secret City while visiting the Y-12 New Hope Center, ORNL's historic Graphite Reactor and the K-25 History Center. En route to each location, Jerry talked to us about the places we passed and each place before we arrived.

At our first stop, Katheryn King was our tour guide at New Hope Center. We watched an award winning film. Then she asked for questions, like, "Why was it called Y-12?" She told us the name has no meaning. We walked around inside, seeing a map of other labs, a model of a thermonuclear bomb, glass cases with memorabilia, and more.

Next stop was the X-10 Lab. Here we saw a simulated Graphite Reactor for Fuel Slugs. Up the stairs, after Jerry's audio presentation, was the Reactor Control Room.

Last stop was the K-25 History Center. We saw a top secret film before listening to Jerry tell us more about this stop. Gene handed out "security passes" which could be inserted into different exhibits for more information on the screens. In one corner, they had a black & white photo exhibit of the "Mud Years,".

Back at the museum, we bought items in the gift shop & then looked around museum. We loved the 3 D printed Jeep! when you go, you should have a good time - with or...

My 80 year old father-in-law, my husband and I went to this museum on Saturday, April 16. The exhibits are great but the customer service around the gift shop was HORRIBLE. I went earlier in our visit because gift shops are my favorite part of museums for souvenirs. The Gift shop was open and I was in there for what had to be 15 plus minutes with NO STAFF. I waited to purchase my items, then finally had to go to the information desk to ask for someone to ring up my items. The woman behind information desk got a call and ended up handing the call off to who, I found out after, was the gift shop clerk... apparently she didn't think she had anything to do. I had actually passed this girl on my way to the info desk and she was with a group of boys. So then I had to wait for her to get off the phone to ring up my items. But wait, it doesn't end there. I purchase my items and rejoin my family. We are at the other end of the museum when suddenly 20 minutes before the museum is supposed to close they give a PA announcement that the gift shop will be closing in THREE MINUTES. So my 80-year-old father-in-law wanted to visit the gift shop so he (remember he's EIGHTY-YEARS-OLD) rushes to make it to the gift shop. We make it and we try to quickly look around and some young guy in a dress shirt and tie yells out when I'm standing right in front of him "WRAP IT UP AND GET OUT!" By the way, this was at 4:45 pm. 15 minutes before the museum was supposed to close. We drove for more than FOUR HOURS to ONLY visit your museum. There was nothing else on our agenda to visit in the area but after this experience, I can see why your parking lot was almost completely empty for a Saturday. People like gift shops and it's a big customer experience for museum visitors, but apparently customer service/ museum visitor experience is NOT a...

An excellent museum in the heart of Oak Ridge Oak Ridge has a rich history steeped in science and helping to build the atomic bomb and win WWII The Oak Ridge Museum of Science and Energy is a captivating destination that offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich history and groundbreaking scientific advancements of Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The museum provides an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all ages. It showcases the remarkable contributions of Oak Ridge to the fields of nuclear science, energy research, and national defense. Through informative exhibits, interactive displays, and engaging multimedia presentations, visitors are taken on a journey through time, exploring the city's pivotal role in the Manhattan Project during World War II and its subsequent impact on science, technology, and society.

One of the highlights of the museum is its comprehensive collection of artifacts, including historical documents, photographs, and equipment used in early nuclear research. These exhibits offer a tangible connection to the past and provide valuable insights into the scientific breakthroughs achieved in Oak Ridge.

The museum offers educational programs, workshops, special events that further enhance the learning experience. There is a bus tour that leaves from here to take some visitors around Oak Ridge on a tour of the various key historical sites. Knowledgeable and friendly staff members are readily available to answer questions and provide additional information, ensuring a fulfilling visit.

Overall, the Oak Ridge Museum of Science and Energy is a must-visit attraction for those interested in the history of science...