As Michigan’s premiere museum of natural history, Cranbrook Institute of Science offers the opportunity to explore the science in our everyday lives.  Through its impressive collections, educational programs, special events, changing exhibitions and educational experiences the Institute is able to make science tangible in a friendly, easily accessible way.

A trip the Cranbrook Institute of Science allows guests to:

Acheson Planetarium & Cranbrook Observatory

Explore the galaxy in the observatory, or take a virtual roller coaster ride through our solar system in the Acheson Planetarium.

exploreLAB

exploreLAB is a specimen-rich environment sure to excite any paleo enthusiast and offers immersive dino- and entomology-themed programming for all ages and interests! Running every weekend, these interactive activities engage eager learners and creates a learning and exploration environment unlike any other.

Exhibit Exploration

Journey through galleries and exhibitions that allow you to touch, see, and engage in scientific experiences

Field Trip

Take a school field trip (virtual or physical) to bolster the concepts taught in the classroom. Planning a field trip with us is easy. We offer programs at our beautiful Bloomfield Hills museum, at your school or virtually through videoconferencing.

Scouts

Earn scouting badges by working with museum educators and scientists who are active in their fields and the chance to interact with a unique, world-class collection of objects and artifacts.

Erb Family Science Garden

Observe a habitat of Michigan trees, shrubs, grasses, and flowers throughout the seasons. The garden has a formal look, yet it is planted with wild plants demonstrating how the native plants of Michigan can be cultivated in the home landscape to stunning effect.

Collections

Investigate a diverse collection of objects and artifacts from around the world. Objects in the CIS Collections document the richness and complexity of the natural world; and artifacts in the CIS Collections illuminate the creative and practical applications of human effort.

Host A Party

Host a party in the unique atmosphere of a museum. Cranbrook Institute of Science offers an ideal setting for corporate or private events.

Special Events

Keep learning alive through special programs, lectures and events and help us generate the enthusiasm for learning about the natural world that will produce the scientists of tomorrow!