The Discovery Museums Competitors

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is extraordinary—always! Through its world-class exhibits, the museum strives to excite and encourage family learning and curiosity by providing limitless opportunities to create memories and foster a sense of discovery. The mission of The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is to create extraordinary learning experiences across the arts, sciences, and humanities that have the power to transform the lives of children and families. With 472,900 square feet and five floors of family learning, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is the world’s biggest and best children’s museum. Here you can discover new worlds, talk with real experts, and see authentic artifacts in always-changing exhibits.

One of the world's largest science centers and New England’s most attended cultural institution, the Museum of Science, Boston introduces 1.5 million visitors a year to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) via dynamic programs and hundreds of interactive exhibits. The Museum of Science carries out its mission as a leader in transforming the nation’s relationship with science and technology through world-class exhibits, industry-leading curriculum, and innovative programming. As science and technology shapes our lives, it means we: • Promote active citizenship • Inspire lifelong appreciation of the importance of science • Make STEM accessible to young people of all backgrounds and abilities These principles manifest every day in all we do within the Museum walls as well as around the world, as a steward of our community, as informal and formal educators, and as advocates for scientific advancement. Since its founding in 1830, the Museum of Science has been at the cutting edge of scientific study and education. Today it has become an iconic symbol of the city’s long cultural and technological history – and future. Within its ¾ mile long building, the Museum of Science includes: • 10,000 square foot Hall of Human Life, allowing visitors to explore how they engage with their own bodies • Thomson Theater of Electricity, home to the world’s largest Van de Graaf generator which makes indoor lightning • Charles Hayden Planetarium, the most technologically advanced theater in New England • Mugar Omni Theater, New England’s only dome IMAX screen • Award-winning pre-K – 8 engineering curriculum, EiE, reaching 1.3 million students each year As a leader in the world’s museum community, we use our role as educator and communicator to bring diverse communities together to learn, share, and consider our collective role in the future of our planet.

The New England Aquarium is a catalyst for global change through public engagement, commitment to marine animal conservation, leadership in education, innovative scientific research, and effective advocacy for vital and vibrant oceans. It is the only Boston-based cultural institution with a mission focused primarily on the environment, promoting the importance of protecting the blue planet through innovative exhibits and educational programs. These are some highlights of the Aquarium’s mission in action, on exhibit, and through our education, conservation, and research programs here on Central Wharf and around the globe. -The Trust Family Foundation Shark and Ray Touch Tank and the New Balance Foundation Marine Mammal Center showcase the diversity and importance of marine animals. -The Giant Ocean Tank inspires visitors with the beauty and complexity of marine habitat through replication of a Caribbean coral reef. -Aquarium educators lead a nationwide initiative on climate change and inspire future ocean protectors with hands-on programs such as Harbor Discoveries Camps and live blue™ Ambassadors. -The Aquarium’s Marine Animal Rescue Team leads regional efforts to rehabilitate and release endangered species of sea turtles at our state-of-the-art Animal Care Center. -Aquarium scientists advise some of the nation’s largest seafood companies on methods to enhance the sustainability of commercial fisheries worldwide. -The Aquarium is home to the world’s longest-running right whale research program, coordinating efforts along the East Coast of the U.S. to restore the population of this endangered species. -The Aquarium collaborates with partners around the world to protect ocean ecosystems, such as coral reefs. In 2008, we partnered with the island nation of Kiribati and Conservation International to create the Phoenix Islands Protected Area. Learn more about the New England Aquarium: http://www.neaq.org - http://www.andersoncabotcenterforoceanlife.org