Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum

Mission: To create moments of discovery that inspire curiosity, exploration and respect for STEM and the natural world.

Ann Arbor Hands On Museum (AAHOM) is a playground for the curious mind, a place that inspires people of all ages to discover the wonder of science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEaM). We envision a world where curiosity today leads to more purposeful lives tomorrow.

AAHOM opened in 1982 in an historic firehouse in downtown Ann Arbor and quickly became the cornerstone of informal science education in the community. This was achieved by working with scientists, artists, designers, engineers, and innovators who transferred their extraordinary talents and knowledge into the creation of simple, effective science exhibits that can be understood by children, their families, and audiences of all ages. Following several expansions, AAHOM now occupies 40,000 square feet, with 20,000 devoted to exhibit space for 250+ interactive exhibits designed to promote science discovery and literacy.
We accomplish our mission with full-time and part-time staff members, as well as interns, work-study students and volunteers. Volunteers include over 400 community members, professors, high school and college students, and local business people who donate over 5,000 hours of their time annually towards helping AAHOM deliver exceptional programs, events, and exhibits.

AAHOM offers a wide range of exhibits designed to engage visitors and promote learning through hands-on exploration. Thanks to a steadfast belief in the power of STEaM when placed in the hands of pre-K through 8th graders, we enjoy one of the highest annual attendance rates at a science center in the State of Michigan: over 290,000 visitors annually. We have over 7,750 family members, demonstrating the value they find in our exhibits and programs.

AAHOM is dedicated to ensuring that our doors are open to all children, regardless of ability to pay admission charges, we offer discounted or free admission to Title One schools, families with patients at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, Ronald McDonald House guests, subsidized housing residents, special needs children and adults, and ESL families.