Buzz
There are countless amazing museums worldwide, too many to visit in one lifetime—but exploring them online only takes a few minutes. Many top science museums engage distant audiences through their Instagram accounts, offering a wealth of knowledge and awe. Here are seven of our top picks.
1. AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY // NEW YORK, NY
New York City's American Museum of Natural History is a place so rich in exhibits that you could spend weeks there and still not see everything. That's why their Instagram feed is a must-follow—it's like an online museum, constantly rotating new topics. You'll find themed days such as Trilobite Tuesday and Fossil Friday, each with fascinating facts to accompany every post.
2. EXPLORATORIUM // SAN FRANCISCO, CA
The Exploratorium in San Francisco isn't just a science museum—it's an interactive experience for people of all ages. If you can't make it to the West Coast, you can still engage with their exhibits through the Exploratorium’s Instagram feed, including videos of Dutch artist Theo Jansen’s Strandbeest kinetic sculptures in action.
3. SCIENCE MUSEUM OF MINNESOTA // SAINT PAUL, MN
For over a century, the Science Museum of Minnesota has been providing entertaining and educational exhibits for all ages. When you follow the museum’s Instagram feed, you won’t miss out on any of their exhibits, including past ones like Mummies and Jerusalem, which are available to explore online.
4. MUSEUM OF SCIENCE // BOSTON, MA
Boston's Museum of Science is a leading American institution dedicated to science and technology. Beyond public exhibitions, it offers educational programs, teacher resources, traveling exhibits, private events, overnight field trips, and honors for those who contribute to science and technology. Every Sunday, the museum’s Instagram feed highlights a different scientist with an inspirational quote for #ScienceQuoteSunday, focusing on women in STEM. In between, there's a wealth of science to discover and exhibitions to explore.
5. NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM // WASHINGTON, D.C.
The National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., part of the Smithsonian Institution, is a must-see for Star Trek fans this year, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the original series. The star attraction is the newly-restored original TV model of the starship Enterprise. You can follow the restoration process and stay updated on Star Trek events on Instagram.
6. MÜTTER MUSEUM // PHILADELPHIA, PA
The Mütter Museum asks, “Are you ready to be disturbingly informed?” This Philadelphia institution delves into the peculiar and often forgotten aspects of biology and medical history, with exhibits that can be unsettling. However, it is a treasure trove of exhibits not found in other museums. The museum’s Instagram feed showcases exhibits such as the permanent Hyrtl Skull Collection, which inspired photographer David Orr’s "Perfect Vessels" series, currently on display at the Mütter. Each post shares fascinating stories, like the skull showing evidence of a lobotomy.
7. THE TECH MUSEUM OF INNOVATION // SAN JOSE, CA
The Tech Museum of Innovation is ideally located in the heart of California's Silicon Valley. A family-friendly destination open to the public, the museum also fosters education through field trips, teacher professional development, and lesson plans. These educational initiatives are highlighted on the Tech’s Instagram account.
The Tech is currently gearing up for its Tech Awards gala on November 17. The awards honor individuals who use technology to tackle some of the world's most pressing challenges. Follow the museum’s additional Instagram accounts—@TheTechChallenge and @TheTechAwards—for updates on past winners, potential nominees, and more as the event approaches.
