Named by USA TODAY as one of the country’s “top 10 best science museums,” the Perot Museum of Nature and Science will open daily May 31-Sept. 6 offering extended fun and new programming for North Texans and tourists alike. A top draw is The Science of Guinness World Records™ exhibition, which made its U.S. debut at the Perot Museum, and continues to attract all ages with interactive experiences that showcase the scientific principles behind some of the world’s most astonishing world record holders. Other highlights include adults-only late nights every Thursday, a new virtual STEM-focused series to curb learning loss and expand the Museum’s accessibility, plus Giant Steps – an outdoor art installation showcasing African American leaders in STEM – has been extended through Labor Day.
"As the world begins to open up, we are excited to open more minds to the wonders of nature and science," said Dr. Linda Silver, Eugene McDermott Chief Executive Officer of the Perot Museum. "After a year when hands-on experiences have been hard to access, we look forward to a summer of discovery and learning, inspiring a world of possibilities in science for families and our broader community."
For details on all the happenings, please see below.
U.S. DEBUT! THE SCIENCE OF GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ (through Sept. 6, 2021). Discover the marvels of GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS holders and the science (and secrets) behind their triumphs. Learn what it takes to crash through these seemingly impossible ceilings, the physical and mental thresholds humans possess, and the STEM principles that explain their awe-inspiring feats. Dozens of engaging exhibits – from the largest Pac-Man videogame, to reaction competitions, basketball, speed drumming and a dance-a-thon – will challenge and encourage all ages to go behind the scenes and discover the discipline driving these fascinating accomplishments. Presented by Highland Capital Philanthropies, the popular Science of Guinness World Records is supported locally by the Dallas Tourism Public Improvement District and, in part, by the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture. A surcharge is required.
THURSDAYS ON TAP. From 6-10 p.m. each Thursday, the adults-only event gives grown-ups exclusive after-hours access to explore all five levels of the Museum including, for a limited time only, The Science of Guinness World Records™ exhibition. Outside, ticket holders can enjoy local food trucks, craft beer and wine, live music and games. Tickets – which include admission to the Museum and The Science of Guinness World Records™ exhibition – are $15 for members and $25 for non-members. Guests must be 21 years of age with valid ID. Alcohol and food will be available for sale. Guests are encouraged to eat and drink outside on the Plaza. Please drink responsibly. Purchase in advance at perotmuseum.org. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door.
THE WHYNAUTS – At a time when education systems are facing the challenges of the pandemic – and field trips are on hold – the Perot Museum of Nature and Science is launching an engaging 10-part, STEM-focused virtual series called The Whynauts. Designed to make science relevant, exciting and accessible, the academically aligned episodes feature charismatic scientists along with diverse youth actors ages 10-15. They will lead students on a fun, knowledge-packed journey of science exploration through the Perot Museum exhibit halls and some of North Texas’ best-known landmarks, including the Dallas Zoo and the Trinity River. The digitally enhanced adventures – with dialogue offered in English and Spanish – are available at perotmuseum.org/whynauts.
STAIRCASE PROJECT (through Sept. 6, 2021). Calling it a “bold and inspiring tribute to African American leaders who made momentous contributions to science,” the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, in partnership with the African American Museum, Dallas, announced earlier this year local architect and emerging artist Daniel M. Gunn as the winner of the Staircase Project design competition. Gunn’s larger-than-life image, titled “GIANT STEPS – Celebrating Extraordinary Achievements of African-American Leaders in STEM,” has been installed since January on the Perot Museum’s multi-story, outdoor staircase facing Field Street. The Staircase Project is presented by Kroger. Information about the African-American STEM giants depicted on the staircase can be found at perotmuseum.org/STEMleaders or by scanning the QR code located next to the staircase.
The Perot Museum is supported, in part, by the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture.
Gifts for year-round fun.Perfect for dads, teachers, grads and birthdays, Perot Museum gift certificates are good for general admission, memberships, parking, special event tickets and more. It’s the gift that fits all ages, stages and interests. Find the link to purchase at perotmuseum.org/gift.
CityPASS. A Dallas CityPASS provides Perot Museum general admission plus admission to three other popular attractions. A CityPASS adult ticket is $47 and a CityPASS child ticket is $31 – that’s nearly a 40% savings! Find the link to purchase online at perotmuseum.org/tickets or go to the Museum Box Office.
OPEN DAILY STARTING MAY 31. Through May 30, general hours of operation for the Perot Museum are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. From May 31-Sept. 6, the Perot Museum will open daily from 10 a.m. -5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Members enjoy exclusive access to the Perot Museum and The Science of Guinness World Records™ from 9-10 a.m. every Saturday and 10-11 a.m. every Sunday.
In accordance with CDC guidelines, masks are not required for vaccinated visitors. All unvaccinated visitors, including children 3 and older, should continue to wear masks.
TICKETS. Museum general admission is $20 for adults (13-64), $13 for youth (2-12) and $18 for seniors (65+). Museum general admission is free for members. Children under 2 are always free. The Science of Guinness World Records™requires asurcharge of $8 for adults (13-64) and seniors (65+), $6 for youth (2-12) and free for children under 2. Member tickets are $5 for all age levels.
DISCOUNTS. Active-duty members and veterans of the United States military, law enforcement officers, firefighters and paramedics/EMTs receive complimentary general admission and $3 off general admission for members of their immediate families (up to seven family members). K through 12th grade educators in Texas and its bordering states also receive free general admission.
Plus the Community Partners Ticket Offer offers $1 general admission and $1 admission to The Science of Guinness World Records™ for individuals and families enrolled in qualified state and federally supported assistance programs (valid for cardholder and up to seven additional family members). Find details about all admission discounts at perotmuseum.org/discounts.
The Perot Museum is located at 2201 N. Field Street in Dallas, Texas. For parking information and other details, visit perotmuseum.org or call 214-428-5555.
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About the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. A top cultural attraction in Dallas/Fort Worth and a Michelin Green Guide three-star destination, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science is a nonprofit educational organization located in the heart of Dallas, Texas. With a mission to inspire minds through nature and science, the Perot Museum delivers exciting, engaging and innovative visitor and outreach experiences through its education, exhibition, and research and collections programming for children, students, teachers, families and life-long learners. A trusted science resource for all of North Texas, the Museum is committed to preparing the next generation of STEM workers by supporting K-12 schools and educators through highly accessible programs. The 180,000-square-foot facility in Victory Park opened in December 2012 and is now recognized as the symbolic gateway to the Dallas Arts District. Future scientists, mathematicians and engineers will find inspiration and enlightenment through 11 permanent exhibit halls on five floors of public space; a children’s museum; a flexible-space, traveling exhibition hall; and a theater. Designed by 2005 Pritzker Architecture Prize Laureate Thom Mayne and his firm Morphosis Architects, the Victory Park museum has been lauded for its artistry and sustainability. To learn more, please visit perotmuseum.org.