Buffalo Museum of Science

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Location:

1020 Humboldt Pkwy, Buffalo, NY 14211
716-896-5200

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About Buffalo Museum of Science

History

The Buffalo Museum of Science traces its roots back to 1836 when the Young Men’s Association (YMA) was established in Buffalo, New York, as a hub for cultural activities. Over time, the YMA collected an impressive array of curiosities, including minerals, fossils, shells, insects, and artifacts of historic value, which necessitated the creation of displays to house them. This growing collection laid the foundation for what would eventually become the Buffalo Museum of Science.

The formal establishment of the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences occurred in 1861, sparked by the city’s growing interest in natural sciences. Among its founding members was former President Millard Fillmore, with George W. Clinton, son of New York’s four-term Governor Dewitt Clinton, serving as its first president. The Society’s early meetings and collections found a home in various temporary locations until January 19, 1929, when the current state-of-the-art facility at the end of Humboldt Parkway on Buffalo’s East Side opened its doors.

The Museum Today

The Buffalo Museum of Science has undergone significant transformations in recent years. Beginning in 2010, BMS committed to renovating its permanent exhibit experiences, replacing traditional dioramas with eight interactive and immersive science studios. These spaces combine historic artifacts with innovative, hands-on exhibits to create engaging experiences for visitors of all ages. The Museum further expanded its offerings by introducing the Buffalo Museum of Science 3D Cinema and reopening its rooftop Kellogg Observatory in 2018 following a meticulous restoration.

Always looking to inspire the next generation of learners, BMS opened SensERIE! in 2021, an interactive sensory exhibit tailored for young visitors. This Erie County-themed space features forest, city, and underwater environments that encourage learning through touch, sight, and sound, fostering curiosity and exploration among the Museum’s youngest patrons.

The Museum, in partnership with the Dr. Charles R. Drew Science Magnet Elementary School, continues to lead the way in science education. Over 1,100 students benefit from a specialized science curriculum delivered in collaboration with the Museum, reinforcing its status as a pioneer in linking educational institutions with cultural organizations.

Collections

The Buffalo Museum of Science is home to more than 700,000 specimens, many of which focus on the Greater Niagara Region. These collections represent the area’s rich natural history in disciplines such as anthropology, botany, paleontology, and zoology, while also incorporating specimens of global significance for teaching, exhibitions, and research.

The Museum’s collections fall into three primary categories:

• Research Collections for scientific study and discovery,
• Special Collections housing unique and rare artifacts, and
• Teaching Collections designed to support public education and engagement.

This comprehensive collection provides an invaluable resource for ongoing exploration and understanding of the natural world, both regionally and globally.

Strategic Plan

Under its 2022-2026 Strategic Plan, the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences aims to position the Museum and its affiliate, Tifft Nature Preserve, as the leading cultural voice for science in Western New York. Approved in November 2021, the plan leverages the Museum’s world-class collections, exhibits, and educational programs to inspire curiosity and foster a deeper understanding of science and nature across the community.

Exploring the Buffalo Museum of Science

For nearly two centuries, the Buffalo Museum of Science has been a beacon for science education and cultural enrichment in the Buffalo community. Through its commitment to interactive learning, preservation, and research, the Museum continues to connect visitors with the wonders of science, history, and the natural world. It remains a cherished institution, shaping the future of scientific discovery and education in Western New York.