See The Museum

Exhibits

The exhibits at the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History provide an objective, accessible window into the past, present, and future of nuclear science. They cover everything from the very origins of atomic theory, the complexity of the political scenarios contributing to World War II, the height of the Cold War, to modern-day advances in nuclear medicine – and even begin to speculate about the future of this fascinating and exciting field. The Museum gives its visitors a memorable and vivid understanding of nuclear science and history.

Whether the exhibition is permanent or temporary, there is always something to see and learn at the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History!

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Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service’s (SITES) “Things Come Apart” Exhibition

Look inside the evolutions of the smartphone and dozens of other everyday technologies in this special exhibition that displays the complex parts that have spurred revolutions in product design and functionality in "Things Come Apart", January 19 through May 5, 2019.

What’s Up With U

"What's Up With U(ranium)" is now on permanent display at the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, engaging visitors of all ages while answering questions such as where does uranium come from, how does it move through the environment, how does it affect us and is it radioactive.

Critical Assembly, the Secrets of Los Alamos 1944: An Installation by Jim Sanborn

A special exhibition where visitors will step back in time to a pivotal point in history, and experience pure science through pure art. Explore and study the recreations of the super secrets from the Manhattan Project's atomic bomb in this mesmerizing exhibit.

Heritage Park

Complete with planes, rockets, missiles, cannons and nuclear sub sail, this exhibit will attract plane buffs and historians alike.

Nuclear Medicine

See the history of nuclear medicine and how it contributed to the advancement of medical technology.

Nano

"Nano: Imagine and discover the world you can't see" is an exhibit about big ideas that come from the small world of nanoscience.

Nuclear Waste Transportation

This exhibit features how radioactive waste is managed in a safe way.

Energy Encounter

Examine the options of green energy alternatives like solar and wind power along with the place nuclear power has in the world today.

Uranium; Enriching Your Future

The exhibit features interactive exhibits helping the visitor discover the place nuclear power has in our energy hungry world.

Radiation 101

Get the basic facts about radiation in this exhibit.

Hiroshima and Nagasaki

While the atomic bomb brought the war to a close, the after-effects of the bomb were felt for years in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Cold War

In this exhibit, visitors will learn how close we came to another war before the end of the Cold War.

Atomic Culture/ Pop Culture

Every visitor will be entertained while viewing the cultural items surrounding the dawning of the Atomic Age!

Little Albert’s Lab

The future belongs to the children of today. Little Albert’s Lab will help children of all ages grasp the concepts of physics, the basis of all sciences.

Decision to Drop

It is said that the dawn of the Atomic Age began with the testing of the world’s first atomic bomb. This exhibit will show visitors just how much influence over the modern world this test created.

Pioneers of the Atom

Visitors will step back in time to meet the individuals who influenced the nuclear world.

Asian Pacific Islander American Heritage Day - May 11

Celebrate the cultural traditions, ancestry, native languages and unique experiences represented among ethnic groups from Asia and the Pacific on Saturday, May 11, 2019. Lion dancers, Taiko drumming, calligraphy and origami demonstrations and many more exciting activities will fill this special day from 10 am to 3 pm.

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"Science is Everywhere" Summer Camp - May 28 through August 9

The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History is pleased to offer week-long, themed camp for summer 2019. These camps are geared to campers Pre-K and Kindergarten through 7th grades. Sessions include "Foodie Science", "STEMinists: Geosciences Edition", Got Game?", "Movie Magic" and many more!

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Movie Under the Wings - June 22

Join the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History for Movie Under the Wings, an amazing outdoor event featuring the iconic movie, “October Sky.” Saturday, June 22, under the airplanes in Heritage Park. Doors will open at 7:30 pm for this unique museum experience, and the movie will begin at dark.

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