Hours of Operation
- Wednesday - Saturday: 10am - 5pm
- 1st & 3rd Friday of the Month: 10am-10pm (extended to 11:00pm in June, July, and August)
- Sunday: 11am - 5pm
Museum Closures
Cranbrook Institute of Science will be closed to the public on the following dates:
- Wednesday, October 14, 2026 (open for Women Rock Science in the evening)
- Sunday, October 18, 2026
- Thursday, November 26, 2026
- Thursday, December 24, 2026
- Friday, December 25, 2026
- Thursday, December 31, 2026
- Friday, January 1, 2027
General Admission
General admission tickets allow access to all permanent exhibits, outdoor science garden, nature trails, and free admission to the Cranbrook Observatory during its hours of operation. (Click here for more information about the observatory.) All visitors over the age of two require a ticket to enter the museum. General admission is free for all members.
- Adults: $19.00
- Children ages 2 - 12: $15.00
- Seniors 65+: $15.00
- Children under 2: Free
- All Members: Free
Cranbrook Institute of Science is a proud partner of Museums for All, offering $2 general admission for two adults and all children under 18 with an EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer), Bridge, or WIC card. Children under 2 years old are always free. If you have an EBT, Bridge, or WIC card, simply show it at the front desk to receive discounted admission. Please note: This discount applies to general admission only and does not extend to Acheson Planetarium tickets. If you have any questions regarding this program, please contact the Membership Department at 248-645-3245.
Tickets, including general admission and Acheson Planetarium, can be purchased at the front desk upon arrival or in advance at:
To access member tickets, enter the last name and membership number associated with your membership.
If you are interested in reserving a visit for a group of 20 or more, please call 248 645.3210 or email CISReservations@cranbrook.edu.
The museum's exhibitions are housed in 16 permanent galleries. There is also a changing exhibition hall, an outdoor science garden, nature trails, a state-of-the-art planetarium, and an observatory. The major overarching theme to the exhibitions is the interconnectedness in nature. This idea is introduced to visitors in a unique, multi-media theater called the Connections Theater.
Discover three science experiences, featuring a million-volt Tesla Coil demonstration, live bug feeding, and real dinosaur fossils, now included with admission on weekends!
Acheson Planetarium
The Acheson Planetarium is open to the public. Please check here for shows and showtimes.
There is no late seating.
Tickets are required for all programs in the planetarium in addition to museum admission. They can be purchased at the museum entrance desk or in advance.
If you are interested in reserving a visit for a group of 20 or more, please call 248 645.3210 or email CISReservations@Cranbrook.edu.
Acheson Planetarium Admission
- Adults: $6 per program
- Seniors 65+ & Children ages 2 - 12: $6 per program
- All CIS Standard Members: $5 per program
- Children under 2: $1 per program
- CIS Enhanced Members: FREE
To access member tickets, enter the last name and membership number associated with your membership.
Cranbrook Observatory
The observatory is open every Friday from 8:30 - 10pm during daylight savings and 7:30 - 10pm during standard time, weather permitting. It is also open on the first Sunday of the month from 1:00 - 4:00pm for safe viewing of the sun, weather permitting.
For more information about the Cranbrook Observatory, please check here.
The Cranbrook Observatory is FREE with admission to the Institute.
Nature Zone
Open Saturdays & Sundays at select times
Nature Zone is a specialized, interactive learning environment designed to inspire curiosity and foster a deeper connection with the natural world. It encourages learners to explore through hands-on experiences that nurture observation, collection, study, and the sharing of discoveries.
Access to the Nature Zone is included with museum admission. It is located in the lower level of the museum by the Changing Exhibition Hall. The Nature Zone is staffed by volunteers.
Erb Family Science Garden
The Erb Family Science Garden is now open for the season!
- Wednesday - Saturday: 10:00am - 5:00pm (closes at dusk on the first and third Friday of the month)
- Sunday: 12:00pm - 5:00pm
The Erb Family Science Garden is included FREE with admission to Cranbrook Institute of Science.
The Nest
The Nest offers a quieter environment where children can engage their curiosity at their own pace.
Hands-on interactives invite little learners to build, touch, observe, and experiment.
For adults, comfortable bench seating lines the space, making it easy to relax while staying connected to your child’s experience.
The Nest is now open during normal museum hours and is located between the Life Changes Over Time and Ice Ages Come and Go exhibits (near the T.rex cast).
Sensory Bags
Sensory Bags with headphones, sunglasses, and sensory toys are available to borrow from the front desk during your visit.
Reflections Café
Hours of operation:
- Wednesday-Friday: 10:00am-3:00pm
- Free First Friday of the Month: 10:00am-3:00pm and 6:00pm-9:00pm
- Saturday: 10:30am-3:30pm
- Sunday: 11:00am-4:30pm
Cranbrook Institute of Science does not allow peanuts, tree nuts, or nut butter in the museum. We request that you please refrain from bringing these items, or items made with these ingredients, into the museum. We appreciate your cooperation and apologize for any inconvenience.
Regularly Scheduled Events
Pre-registration is recommended for Free First Friday or as stated specifically for any particular event.
Experience Friday nights at Cranbrook Institute of Science for just $5!
Guests who visit after 5:00pm can purchase general admission tickets for $5 each.
Free general admission to Cranbrook Institute of Science on the 1st Friday of each month, through December 2026, is courtesy of the MASCO Corporation. The Free First Friday discount is not applicable to Group Visits.
Please note, if pre-registration is "SOLD OUT", walk-ups are still welcome, but not guaranteed.