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.
To prepare for your upcoming visit, face coverings are not required, however, are recommended for the duration of your visit. Pre-registration is only required for Free First Friday.
Thank you for your interest in registering for our May Free First Friday. Pre-registration for Friday, May 5th, 2023 is now closed. Walk-ins welcome, but due to limited capacity, entrance is not guaranteed. Registration for June 2nd, 2023 will be available the week of May 8th.
Hours of Operation
- Wednesday and Thursday: 10:00am – 5:00pm
- Friday: 10:00 am - 10:00pm
- Saturday: 10:00am - 5:00pm
- Sunday: 12:00 – 4:00pm
Reflections Café
Hours of operation:
- Wednesday - Friday: 10:00am - 3:30pm
- First Free Friday: 10:00am - 1:00pm; 2:00 - 5:00pm; 6:00 - 8:00pm
- Saturday: 10:00am - 4:o0pm
- Sunday: 12:00 - 3:30pm
Acheson Planetarium
The Acheson Planetarium is open to the public. Please check here for shows and showtimes.
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.
exploreLAB and Erb Family Science Garden
These experiences remain closed at this time. Please check this page and our social channels for updates as they become available.
Admission
- Adults: $13.00
- Children ages 2 - 12: $9.50
- Seniors 65+: $9.50
- Children under 2: Free
- All Members: Free
Acheson Planetarium Tickets (in addition to museum admission when applicable)
Tickets are required for all programs in the planetarium in addition to museum admission. They can be purchased at the museum entrance desk. There is no late seating.
- Adults: $5 per program
- Seniors 65+ & Children ages 2 - 12: $5 per program
- All CIS Standard Members: $4 per program
- Children under 2: $1 per program
- CIS Enhanced Members: FREE
- There is no late seating
If you have a group of 20 or more people, please call 248 645.3210 or email.
Changing Exhibit Hall (in addition to museum admission when applicable)
- Adults: $3
- All CIS Standard Members: $2
- Seniors 65+ & Children 2 - 12: $1
- CIS Enhanced Members and Children under 2: FREE
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.
This exhibit presents these fine Paleozoic creatures in a way that tells a story of the prehistoric life in the ancient seas. The collection assembled over 35 years provides a unique snapshot of life in the ancient seas from 250 to 500 million years ago.
This exhibit runs May 31 - September 10, 2023.