Our beloved "When Things Get Moving" exhibit is currently undergoing renovations and is closed to the public. This exhibit will reopen to the public on Thursday, October 17, 2024.
SCI Solar Parties are held during the Downtown Des Moines Farmers Market on the north side of the Science Center near the SCI main entrance. Tickets and registration are not required to take part in the Solar Party activities.
Our youngest visitors can bring their imaginations as an SCI Programs Team member reads under the starry skies.
Help guide a breathtaking journey through our solar system, exploring the unique features, mysteries, and wonders of its most important celestial bodies.
Get chills and thrills from cryogenic demonstrations.
Experience one of the most mysterious — and misunderstood — wonders of the Universe. Narrated by Liam Neeson. Sponsored by NASA. Program and location subject to change.
Locate constellations and planets, and hear myths of the night sky in this live planetarium program. Program and location subject to change.
Have you ever wondered what Snippy the Snapping Turtle eats? Come check out a feeding demonstration of one of SCI’s most ravenous reptiles! The snapping turtle feeding may be too intense for some visitors.
This show reveals dark matter's earliest clues, covering the astral choreography of galactic orbits as well as sensitive detectors hidden deep underground in ancient gold mines. Narrated by Tilda Swinton. Program and location subject to change.
From things that glow to things that explode, this program is a real blast!
Help guide a breathtaking journey through our solar system, exploring the unique features, mysteries, and wonders of its most important celestial bodies.
Go on an adventure though history to learn about the creation of the telescope and the discoveries this invention has helped humanity make! Program and location subject to change.