COVID-19 Questions
Is MSC limiting capacity?Yes, according to the guidelines provided to us by the city and state we are limiting admission initially to 25% of our capacity.
We’ve waived all fees for online ticket purchases and ask that all guests purchase their tickets ahead of time online. Members should also reserve tickets online—instructions will be emailed to you. There will be a limited number of tickets available on-site at the door as time and space allow but we encourage all guests to buy online in advance.
Plexiglass barriers have been put in place at all point-of-sale locations. High traffic, high touch areas will be cleaned constantly throughout the day. Places like The Shed, SciLab, and Kids Room will close periodically during each day for deep cleaning. Additional signage has been placed throughout the building reminding guests about best practices.
Yes, all visitors over the age of two must wear a mask at all times when inside the Science Center. For the safety of our staff, other visitors, and you, there can be no exceptions to this policy. Again, all visitors over two must wear a mask while inside the Science Center.
We’ve put together a planetarium experience that combines traditional scheduled shows and walk-through experiences that allow the guest to take part in as much or as little of the planetarium as they like. Until we receive further guidance from health officials the IMAX Theater will remain CLOSED.
We have made the decision to discontinue food service at this time. Elements Café is open for seating for those who bring their own food and drinks and vending will be available for our guests. The Brown Bag Zone will be closed to all guests.
We have placed many additional hand-sanitizer dispensers throughout the building and we encourage you to use them. There are also soap dispensers and sinks in bathrooms on every level and in the café.
In addition to the St. John Properties IMAX Theater remaining closed initially, the Bed of Nails will also be closed to guests. We do not anticipate any other exhibit experiences to be closed when you visit.
All MSC staff have their temperature checked before they are permitted to begin their day. Any staff exhibiting signs of the coronavirus must remain at home until they are symptom free. All staff on the floor will be wearing a mask at all times. Some staff, once properly situated and appropriately distanced may remove their mask for short, live presentations. Staff may introduce additional physical barriers for some on-floor activities to ensure proper distancing.
Yes, but we ask that elevator rides be limited to one family or people in the same party at a time. We strongly encourage all visitors who can do so safely to use the stairs to transit between floors
We are exchanging 100% of the air in the facility with fresh outside air twice each day. In addition, under guidelines from air handling experts, we’ve raised the humidity in the air system slightly. While we expect the facility to be a comfortable temperature throughout your visit, you may notice a slightly more humid air quality and temperature shifts as we implement these procedures. In addition, all water fountains have been turned off. $1 water bottles are available in Elements Café as well as one time use paper cups for water from a dispenser in the Café. We are also thoroughly cleaning all activity carts, props, and other instruments used on the exhibit floor after each use.
General Questions
What are your hours?The Maryland Science Center’s current operating hours are as follows:
Monday – Wednesday: Closed
Thursday – Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Strollers are permitted in much of the Science Center-including our main exhibit halls. However, strollers are not permitted in any of our theaters. There is stroller “parking” near these areas or you can leave your stroller in our Coat Room.
Groups of 15 or more receive discounts on admission. Visit our group admission page. If you’re coming with a school group, please visit our Field Trip Planner.
The Maryland Science Center is at 601 Light Street, Baltimore MD 21230. The main number is 410-685-2370.
We have made the decision to discontinue food service at this time. Elements Café is open for seating for those who bring their own food and drinks and vending will be available for our guests. The Brown Bag Zone is closed to all guests.
What’s not! While we are constantly in the process of designing new demonstrations, interactive carts, and lobby spectacles, we also continue to update our permanent exhibits. In the summer of 2018 we introduced two new exciting exhibits. On the second floor, Science Aglow introduces the entire electromagnetic spectrum with interactive activities about visible (and invisible!) light. In the Kids Room we opened a completely redone state-of-the-art water table that continues to be the gem of the 8-and-under area. Right now, we’re working on creating a new exhibit space on the third floor—MSC is always up to something new!
Yes! MSC is easily navigated with a wheel chair. Ramps and elevators will help you get to each level, and there are multiple rest rooms with wheelchair access. Visit our accessibility page for more information.
Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the Maryland Science Center and the use of e-cigarettes is strictly prohibited.
The Science Center currently partners with three nearby garages: 414 Light Street Garage, Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Garage, and Arrow Parking Garage, to validate parking. Garage locations and validation rates can be found on our directions & parking page.
We have a free unattended coat room available for use to all guests.
Absolutely! Aside from visiting our normal exhibits, we have a variety of programs made just for adults! From music shows in the planetarium to drinks with dinosaurs, there’s sure to be something for everyone.