Rochester Museum and Science Center, Rochester

The Rochester Museum & Science Center (RMSC) is a cornerstone of scientific, historical, and cultural education in Rochester. With a vast collection of over 1.2 million artifacts, RMSC engages visitors in exploring the natural world, technological innovation, and the rich heritage of the Genesee Region. Established in 1912 as the Rochester Municipal Museum, the institution has evolved under a succession of visionary directors-from archaeologist Arthur C. Parker, who expanded the museum’s research and collection efforts, to later leaders who introduced interactive exhibits, cutting-edge planetarium shows, and environmental learning through the 900-acre Cumming Nature Center near Naples, NY.

The museum's offerings include hands-on exhibits, live science demonstrations, and immersive experiences in the adjoining Strasenburgh Planetarium, which has grown into a hub for astronomy programming, including star shows and the Challenger Learning Center. Notably, RMSC hosted a four-day festival for the 2024 solar eclipse, embracing both science and spectacle-even if the sky didn’t fully cooperate that day.

Through the decades, RMSC has developed an outstanding archive and library system, including the Schuyler C. Townson Library and the Strasenburgh Planetarium Library. These resources support research and public education, with highlights such as the Susan B. Anthony Collection, the Bausch Family Papers, and the Albert R. Stone Negative Collection, which document both personal histories and technological advancement in the region.

Whether you're intrigued by local archaeology, fascinated by the cosmos, or just curious about the science behind everyday life, the Rochester Museum & Science Center offers an enriching experience for all ages.