Gallery of Scientific Exploration — Local services in Tempe

A Hidden Gem in the Desert Heat: ASU's Gallery of Scientific Exploration

On a scorching 110°F day in Tempe, the Gallery of Scientific Exploration at ASU proved to be the perfect refuge - and not just from the heat. This remarkable space combines world-class specimens with active research facilities in a way that makes you feel like you're getting a behind-the-scenes look at real scientific discovery.

The fossil collection is genuinely impressive, featuring stunning pieces like Cretaceous tyrannosaur eggs from China (67-65.5 million years old) that showcase the incredible preservation possible in paleontology. But what really sets this place apart is the meteorite collection - it's easily one of the most extensive I've encountered anywhere. The Fukang pallasite meteorite alone is worth the visit, with its striking olivine crystals suspended in metallic matrix, literally holding pieces of space in your hands.

What makes this different from a traditional museum is the integration with ASU's active research programs. You can see the labs, the equipment, and displays of actual satellites and instruments that ASU has contributed to space missions. It feels alive with current scientific work rather than just displaying past discoveries.

The Valles Marineris comparison exhibit beautifully puts Earth's geology in cosmic perspective - exactly the kind of thoughtful display that makes you appreciate our planet's place in the universe.

Best of all on a day like today: it's blissfully air-conditioned and surprisingly peaceful due to the summer break. In a city where 110°F makes you question human settlement decisions, this space offers both physical and intellectual respite. While Tempe's relentless development can feel chaotic, places like this remind you why universities and scientific exploration represent the very best of what we build in the desert.

A must-visit for anyone interested in geology, space science, or just escaping the heat while...

It's only open on weekdays, and also in terms of parking- I didn't find any parking in front, so found a garage and walked ~15 minutes down here. Nothing too bad, they do have accesible sidewalks that take you up here. In front of the museum, there's a press-to-open automatic accessible door and they have elevators. The museum itself is aesthetically pleasing with the exhibits spread out over 2 stories, with a satellite overhead and a metallic twisted staircase. Note though- there wasn't that much to see and it took me about an hour to read the signs and get through everything. No complaints though as it was free to visit. On the first floor, they had an interactive planetary glow ball, a curved interactive view of the Moon(?), some signs and glass displays on space travel. On the second floor, they have some glass displays with meteor bits. There are open-view lab rooms on both floors. As for amenities, each floor has clean restrooms and...

Amazing place to explore with our kids! The front desk workers were incredibly helpful and welcoming, and were enthusiastic to share meteorites and explain all the facts and concepts in a way our 7 year old could understand and talk about after we left! I was surprised by how much there was to see and how much ASU is partnering in with NASA etc. Our family loved our time there and would definitely go back next time we visit AZ! We took the metro there and it was a very doable walk from the station, the map on their website was very helpful to find our way from the metro to the building since it was our first time on ASU. Definitely recommend for anyone...