Winter Solstice Celebration

Saturday, December 21, 2024 | 1:00-7:00pm at Cranbrook Institute of Science & 1:00-5:00pm at Cranbrook Art Museum

Join us for a Winter Solstice event jointly hosted by Cranbrook Art Museum and Cranbrook Institute of Science. Your $10 admission (members are free however, pre-registration required) gives access to the activities at BOTH venues!

Winter Solstice Celebration at CIS
The Winter Solstice, the darkest day of the year, has long been a time of celebration – of the pushing back of light against the darkness. This event draws upon historical and scientific interpretations with activities and programs that culminate in a lantern-lit parade around the campus.

Things to Do:

  • Join an ongoing workshop to create your lantern for the evening parade.
  • Add to our community Solstice display of traditional natural elements -- branches, pinecones, seasonal fruits and more – and make a wish for the New Year.
  • Design a holly leaf and berry spray that reflects age-old customs.
  • Hear the historical importance of winter citrus fruits and make a dried orange-slice ornament.
  • Explore shadow puppets, which rely on light and darkness, and make your own puppet to take home.
  • Try a light-focusing activity based on the design of a Neolithic passage tomb at Newgrange, Ireland and the Mission Churches in California.
  • Gain a new view of minerals with a mini flashlight tour of the Mineral Gallery.
  • Enjoy a late afternoon musical performance of medieval Christmas carols and wassails by the costumed Roaring Wastrels.
  • Gaze into the night sky through the lens of the Observatory telescope.
  • At 6:00 pm, join us for a culminating outdoor parade/processional as we bring light into the darkness!
  • Seasonal snacks, specialty drinks and adult beverages will be available for purchase in the Reflections Café.
  • Tickets for Planetarium shows, with seasonal and event-related programs, will also be available for purchase.
  • Dinosaur programs, and access to our newest traveling exhibit, The Science of Archimedes, are available for an extra charge.

Tickets are non-refundable.

Pre-registration required. Walk-ups welcome but due to capacity limits, not guaranteed.

Questions? Contact us at 248-645-3210 or cisreservations@cranbrook.edu.

Deck the Halls with Ologies!

December 26 - 29, 2024 and January 2 - 5, 2025 | 11:00am – 3:00pm daily, except Sundays: 12:00 – 3:00pm

Deck the halls with endless ologies! ‘Tis the season to immerse yourself in a variety of scientifically jolly ologies with engaging exhibits and interactive workshops that bring learning to life.

This experience will feature the exploration of:

  • Entomology: The study of insects! Experience the wonders of metamorphosis with live, touchable insects showcasing different life stages.
  • Microbiology: The study of microorganisms! Experiment with germs to uncover their hiding spots and learn the secrets to truly clean hands.
  • Paleontology: The study of life on Earth through fossils! Get hands-on with REAL fossils and uncover the secrets of ancient life. Visit our exploreLAB to journey back in time and experience a world from Earth's prehistoric past!
  • Geology: The study of Earth! Explore the wonders of Earth's treasures in our Mineral Gallery, featuring sparkling gems, dazzling crystals, and more.
  • Anthropology: The study of humans! Discover how early civilizations used natural resources for survival, and try your hand at ancient tools. Biology: The study of life! Craft your own bean sprouting kit to grow and observe germination at home.
  • Cosmology: The study of the Universe! Embark on a stellar journey through galaxies with the Acheson Planetarium.
  • Zoology: The study of animals! Discover the fascinating art of animal camouflage and match your animal to the ideal environment where it can seamlessly blend in.
  • Rheology: The study of how materials deform and flow! Investigate the science behind how materials bend, stretch, and flow! Get hands-on with oobleck, a captivating non-Newtonian fluid that defies classification as either a liquid or a solid.
  • Robotics: Explore the world of robotics! Create a robot glider that you can control with a simple tug on a string.
  • Engineering: Delve into the world of designing, testing, and constructing machines! Put your engineering skills to the test by building a strong bridge that can bear weight.
  • Physics: Uncover the science behind matter and energy! Experiment with surface tension, observe what happens when two bubbles collide, and challenge yourself to blow a bubble inside another bubble.
  • And more!

Activities are included with general admission, except for the planetarium, exploreLAB, and The Science of Archimedes exhibit, which require an additional fee.

Continue celebrating the season of discovery with The Science of Archimedes, our newest traveling exhibit. Uncover how his groundbreaking discoveries in mathematics, physics, and engineering have shaped our modern world and deepen your understanding of the science behind natural phenomena.

Tickets to Archimedes are $8 for adults and $6 for children (ages 2-12) and seniors (65+) for non-members. Tickets for Family or Companion Members are $7 for adults and $5 for children and seniors. Back Stage, All Access, and Galactic Members and children under 2 are free. Non-members must also pay general museum admission.

After Dark (21+ only)

Saturday, February 15 | 7:00 to 10:00pm

Fall in love with science this Valentine’s Day! Grab your partner or gather your friends for an unforgettable evening exploring love, sex, and attraction through the lens of science, history, and nature. This one-of-a-kind 21+ event is packed with lively demonstrations, spicy presentations, and interactive activities guaranteed to make your heart race.

Sip on signature cocktails, savor delicious bites (available for purchase), and immerse yourself in the experience with:

  • Gladiatorial Combat: Witness epic clashes and cheer for your champion!
  • Things I Can’t Say to Second Graders – Dino Edition: A mini presentation with a prehistoric twist.
  • Aphrodisiacs: Fact or Fiction? Taste-test the science behind the sizzle.
  • Love Trivia: Flex your knowledge of romance!
  • Cupid’s Arrow: Can you hit the bullseye?
  • Great Sex Scandals from History: Scandalous tales through time.
  • Animals Do It Differently: Match quirky courtship rituals to their wild performers.
  • Love Conquers All: Navigate the stressors of the world to protect your love.
  • Love in the Greco-Roman World: Step into ancient stories of passion.
  • Let the (Valentine) Games Begin: Take on your partner or friends in games of skill and strategy.
  • Star-Crossed Lovers: A planetarium show written in the stars.
  • To the Moon and Back: Gaze at the cosmos at our observatory.
  • And more adult-only fun!

Tickets are $25 for members, $30 for non-members, and $35 at the door (subject to availability). Pre-registration is highly recommended. Please note that tickets are non-refundable.