The Cranbrook Institute of Science introduced their newest changing exhibit this month: Galileo: Scientist, Astronomer, Visionary. The hands on interactive exhibition dives into the secrets of Galileo’s groundbreaking discoveries. Guests can experiment and explore the many activities that focus on Physics, Geometry, Mathematics, Astronomy as well as Natural Sciences. The exhibit will be on display until June 2, 2024.
Five Different Themes to Explore at Galileo: Scientist, Astronomer, Visionary
The Galileo exhibition is on loan from the Museum of Leonardo Da Vinci – Florence and features five major themes.
Theme 1 – Astronomy
Did you know that Galileo was the first person to look at the moon through a telescope? While he didn’t invent the telescope, he was the first to use it to observe celestial objects and record his discoveries. Galileo’s observations provided further support for Copernicus’ heliocentric theory (that the planets rotate around our sun), which gradually replaced the Medieval view of a geocentric universe (where the Earth is the center of the universe).
Theme 2 – Simple Machines
Guests of all ages will love to experiment in this interactive section that explores simple machines. Visitors can try out levers, scales, gears as well as pulleys in this hands-on space that demonstrate how these devices make work easier.
Theme 3 – Gravity, Motion and Time
One of the most memorable legends I can remember that relates to gravity is the story of how Galileo dropped weights off of the Leaning Tower of Pisa to demonstrate that objects with different masses will fall at the same rate. It is documented that he used inclined planes as well as pendulums to study the motion of objects under gravity.
Visitors can test the laws of motion through a variety of hands on exhibits.
Theme 4 – Military and Ballistics
In a time where cannons, gunpowder and explosives had just been developed, Galileo decided he wanted to devise a way to calculate the trajectory for artillery and mortar. During your visit you can try out the physics behind the flight pattern of a flying object.
Theme 5 – The Birth of Experimental Science
Galileo was the pioneer of the experimental scientific method. He took meticulous notes and repeated experiments over an over to observe an refine his theories. While he is often referred to as the “father of modern astronomy” and the “father of modern physics”, Einstein call him the “father of modern science.”
Our experience at Galileo: Scientist, Astronomer, Visionary
Galileo at Cranbrook
Visitors gain insights into how Galileo’s fearless and pioneering work in Science, Physics, and Astronomy four centuries ago has shaped our modern world. The Galileo exhibition provides exciting opportunities for STEAM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) particularly in the fields of:
- Physics
- Geometry, Mathematics
- Astronomy
- Natural Sciences
Admission to the Exhibit Hall
These fees are in addition to museum admission when applicable:
Adults: $8
CIS Standard Members: $6
Seniors 65+ and Children ages 2 through 12: $5
CIS Enhanced Members as well as children under 2: FREE
Cranbrook Institute of Science Hours and Location
Hours of Operation
Wednesday and Thursday: 10:00 am until 5:00 pm
Friday: 10:00 am until 10:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am until 5:00 pm
Sunday: 12:00 pm until 4:00 pm
Cranbrook Institute of Science Location
39221 Woodward Avenue
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303-0801
Connect with Cranbrook Institute of Science
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Cranbrook Institute of Science Photos and Visitor’s Guide
Museums in Metro Detroit
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