The Springfield Museums are located at 21 Edwards Street in Springfield, Massachusetts. It consists of four world class museums which are:

• Museum of Fine Arts
• George Walter Smith Art Museum
• Springfield Science Museum
• Connecticut Valley Historical Museum

The Museums Association is home to the Dr. Seuss Sculpture Garden, which is a series of full-scale bronze sculptures of Dr. Seuss’s whimsical creations.

There is one admission price to enjoy all four Springfield Museums and the Dr. Seuss Park. There are permanent collections and galleries. They also host major traveling art, history and science exhibitions. There will always be something new. A few facts about the Springfield Museums in Massachusetts include:

• It is home to the Seymour Planetarium, which is the oldest operating planetarium in the United States.
• The ashes of George Walter Vincent Smith and his wife, Belle Townsley Smith, are inside one of the walls on the second floor of the Museum
• The Museum of Fine Arts has the largest permanent collection of Currier & Ives prints in the world.
• Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden is the only one that exists to honor Theodor Geisel

The four Springfield Museums and the Dr. Seuss Sculpture Garden offer endless adventures in arts, sciences, and history. If you are a member, you can enjoy visit after visit. Membership gives unlimited opportunities to explore the Springfield Museums.

Weekend Family Fun Events

Programs include:

• A performance
• Art and science demonstration
• Hands-on craft workshops

All activities are designed to highlight holidays, special exhibitions, cultural traditions and topics to appeal to children.

Family Science Adventures

The museums feature ongoing, drop-in activities that allow families to experience together the wonders of scientific discovery. An example of an activity might be of a “roving scientist” who presents “hair-raising” electricity demonstrations using a Van de Graaff generator. You might want to experiment with chemical reactions, the physical properties of light and electrical circuits in the Science Discovery Laboratory.

Hasbro Games Art Discover Center Activities

The Art Discovery Center in the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum is the setting for participatory activities. Children can try on costumes and armor, find their sign in the Chinese Zodiac and create make-it and take-it art projects.

School Vacation Week Programs

In December, February and April, the Springfield Museums are open extended hours. Children and families are invited to participate in a range of activities that may include:

• Children’s theater
• Puppet shows
• Magic programs
• Art-making workshops
• Planetarium shows
• Storytelling
• Science demonstrations
• Live animal programs

Birthday Parties

Birthday parties are unique at the Springfield Museums. They offer two-hour birthday parties for children ages 4 – 12 on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. The parties are led by an experienced instructor in a private, decorated room. Activity themes include:

• Amazing Animals
• Dynamic Dinosaurs
• Journey Into Space
• On the Loose with Dr. Seuss
• Asian Art Adventures

Group Tours

If you desire a personalized exploration of the Springfield Museums and the Dr. Seuss Sculpture Garden, they can arrange a group tour for you. The tours can be arranged for you to discover their collections and exhibits on your own or with a trained docent.

Tours are paced to accommodate your schedule. Picnics can be enjoyed on the Quadrangle Green. Enjoy exploring the universe in their Seymour Planetarium, shopping in their Museum store or just enjoying your group’s company.

Host Your Event

The Springfield Museums can host your special events. They accommodate small groups and larger functions. A Special Events Coordinator can help you choose a location in one of the four stellar Museums or outside on the private lawns, surrounded by whimsical Dr. Seuss sculptures. They can host events from private cocktail receptions to full scale dinners and conference meeting rooms and streamline your event from start to finish. Their amenities include:

• Full cocktail bars
• Outdoor tents
• Music and live entertainment
• Photographers
• Valet parking for guests
• Private lectures by esteemed Museum Directors

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© 2007 Connie Limon All Rights Reserved