Detroit, October 17, 2025
News Summary
The Michigan Science Center in Detroit has unveiled exciting new attractions to engage families and promote STEM learning. The highlight is the ‘Leonardo da Vinci: Machines in Motion’ exhibition, showcasing over 40 interactive machines inspired by da Vinci. With free admission days for families and a range of interactive experiences, Mi-Sci aims to make science accessible to all. The center’s diverse offerings include a Kids Town, STEM Playground, and educational programs like the STEMinista Project, ensuring an enriching visit for all ages.
Detroit – The Michigan Science Center, commonly referred to as Mi-Sci, has recently unveiled a series of new attractions and events aimed at engaging families and fostering STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) learning. As a Smithsonian affiliate situated in Midtown Detroit, the center offers a diverse array of interactive experiences, catering to visitors of all ages.
Among the new features is the highly anticipated exhibition titled “Leonardo da Vinci: Machines in Motion,” which will be showcased through January 2026. This exhibit allows visitors to explore over 40 interactive machines inspired by the innovative designs of renowned polymath Leonardo da Vinci, focusing on themes of earth, water, air, and fire.
In addition to the historic exhibition, Mi-Sci recently hosted two free admission days, drawing families eager to participate in live science demonstrations and hands-on activities. Families using SNAP/EBT cards can also enjoy free admission, which aims to make the science center accessible to a broad audience.
Mi-Sci features numerous attractions, including the interactive Kids Town, designed for children aged five and under, which provides engaging play areas. The center is equipped with an arcade, a STEAM lab, a digital library, and a sports arena, alongside a water feature enhancing the fun experience.
The Spark!Lab Smithsonian offers visitors hands-on opportunities to experiment with various STEM disciplines, while the STEM Playground allows families to learn through play. Engineering enthusiasts will appreciate the Roads, Bridges, Tunnels gallery, featuring Math Mountain and an 80-foot-long Mini Mac Bridge to explore concepts of engineering.
Interactive experiences continue in the Space Gallery, where guests can learn about our solar system and even design habitats on Mars. The Health Gallery promotes education on nutrition and wellness, while the Waves and Vibrations exhibit excites visitors with laser demonstrations and a walk-in kaleidoscope.
For those interested in the principles of physics, the Motion Gallery introduces critical concepts through engaging experiments, and Earth. Wind. Weather., sponsored by General Motors, showcases ten interactive exhibits including a thrilling 12-foot tornado simulator.
Live science demonstrations are a staple at Mi-Sci, especially during presentations on the Science Stage, emphasizing the joy of interactive learning.
The engineering-centric Toyota 4D Engineering Theater provides an immersive experience centered on STEM content. The center’s IMAX® Dome Theatre, the largest of its kind in Michigan, regularly features special films, including laser and music productions and will captivate audiences of all ages.
Additionally, Mi-Sci runs an array of educational programs. Notably, the STEMinista Project® supports girls and trans/non-binary students, promoting inclusion in STEM fields. Programs like Junior Navigators for middle school students and The Explainers Project for high school students foster student engagement and learning opportunities. Summer Spark! Camps and workshops for scouts are also available, further enhancing educational experiences for children.
Mi-Sci operates Tuesday through Sunday, closing its doors on Mondays, and occasionally for private events, adapting its schedule for special occasions. Visitors are also informed of periodic Free Days through the center’s website and social media channels.
Looking ahead, the center plans to reopen its planetarium in fall 2025, revitalizing the facility for astronomy enthusiasts. Families can prepare for the upcoming Aramco Traveling Science Outdoor Event scheduled for August 14, 2025, featuring live science demonstrations and activities, extending the learning experience beyond the typical confines of the center.
Admission prices are set at $23, with free entry granted to children three and under, making it an accessible option for families looking to explore the wonders of science and engage in interactive learning.
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Additional Resources
- Michigan Science Center: Top Things to Do
- Da Vinci’s Inventions Come to Life at Michigan Science Center
- Michigan Science Center: Machines in Motion
- Michigan Science Center Offering Free Admission Weekend
- Michigan Getting Da Vinci Inventions Exhibition
- Wikipedia: Michigan Science Center
- Google Search: Michigan Science Center
- Google Scholar: Michigan Science Center
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Michigan Science Center
- Google News: Michigan Science Center

Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.