The Museum of Arts & Sciences, a Smithsonian Institute Affiliate, houses American art, Chinese art, Cuban art, African artifacts and European exhibits. Among the Americana in the Root Family Museum, visitors will see vintage train cars in a train station, as well as every imaginable item relating to Coca-Cola® through the decades. There's a children's museum with a hands-on science center, plus a planetarium that offers laser light, star shows and rock concerts. The museum, preserve and boardwalk are accessible by wheelchair. Braille signs and audio stations make the preserve accessible to the visually impaired.
Best and Worst Times to go to the Museum of Arts & Sciences
Admission is free to Volusia County residents on the first Tuesday of each month, making it one of the busier days. Exhibits are well maintained, so if your visit is based on a particular selection, you may want to call first to be sure it will be available.
Must See/Do at the Museum of Arts & Sciences
Even the anti-cultural entertainment traveler in your party will enjoy the Root Family Museum with its vast display of Americana and the fully restored 1948 Milwaukee Road Skytop Lounge car. The Planetarium shows provide a nice break. Relax in reclined chairs as you view the night sky. Children enjoy it too. The Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art offers a rich taste of Florida History, dating back to the 1800's. The Florida weather exhibits are especially interesting.
Admission to the Museum of Arts & Sciences
Admission prices for adults is $13-$16; children (6-17) $7-$10. Children age five and under get in free. Student discounts are available. Some Planetarium shows and admission to Cici Hyatt Brown Museum of art cost extra.
Parking at Museum of Arts & Sciences
Parking is free. However, if you don't plan to tour the entire museum and you do care where you begin, pay attention to the parking lot you choose, or you may have a long walk. Follow the signs.
Food at the Museum of Arts & Sciences
There is no café. Coffee, cold drinks and prepackaged snacks are available for purchase in the gift shop.
Insider Tip for Visitors to the Museum
Free wi-fi is available in the gift shop. The museum is situated on 90-acre Tuscawilla Preserve. If the more active members of your group groan at the idea of a museum visit, Tuscawilla Park, next door (north) offers a large disc golf course, nature trails and zip lines.
Author's bio: Edie Schmidt is an internationally published freelance writer in Central Florida. The Root Family Museum is her favorite part of the Museum of Arts & Sciences. See her other interests here.
