ABOUT US
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Midland Center for the Arts
1801 West Saint Andrews Road, Midland, MI 48640
Alden B. Dow Museum of Science and Art celebrates the visual arts and sciences by promoting individual participation, appreciation, education and expression. The hands-on Hall of Ideas, rotating exhibitions in the galleries, classes at the Museum Studio School, community outreach programs and special events are all components in the Museum’s programming.
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EXHIBITIONS IN THE GALLERIES
– World Class Shows Visit Midland
Explore over 14,000 square feet of gallery space featuring ever-changing art and science exhibitions. Throughout the year the Museum welcomes over 50,000 visitors to its galleries, which house world-class exhibitions on a rotating basis, with many exhibitions making stops as part of national or global tours. Kids will want to wander through the interactive Hall of Ideas, a permanent hands-on exhibition designed just for toddlers through grade school students.
Past exhibitions include: WaterWorks: Soak Up the Science!, Chinese Terracotta Warriors, Grossology, Lizards & Snakes Alive, A T Rex Named Sue, The Nature of Diamonds, Einstein & Frank Lloyd Wright. |
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HALL OF IDEAS – Connecting through interactivity
Three levels make up the fun, interactive Hall of Ideas. This handicap-accessible space traces the spiraling evolution of civilization in the Great Lakes Bay Region. Advancing through each level, visitors progress from Michigan’s geological formation in “Restless Earth,” to early inhabitants in “Trailblazers,” to the inseparability of science and art in “Envision.” The multi-media ViewSpace exhibit brings the wonders of celestial exploration to the Museum through recent photographs from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. (ViewSpace availability is dependent on gallery exhibition schedule). |
  
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FROM THE DIRECTOR
"Our passion in creating pure excitement, strong education and meaningful interaction through art and science drives us to search the world of ideas for an evergreen array of exhibitions and programs that will undeniably make your life richer."
- B. B. Winslow, Director |
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GETTING INVOLVED – we can’t do it without your help!
Like what you see? Let us refund your money when you convert your daily admission to a yearly membership! There are many benefits of Museum membership in addition to FREE admission – and a membership pays for itself after only a couple of visits!
If you have a love for art or science, become a Museum volunteer – it’s fun & easy! We’re always looking for volunteers to serve as:
• docents and tour guides
• gallery sitters
• exhibition assistants
• archive maintenance assistants
• Art Fairs
• intern opportunities
• informal science educators
Check out our Ways to Give to discover ways you can financially support our on-going programming. |
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YEARLY HAPPENINGS – Things to look forward to!
Our yearly happenings blend education, science and art into fun, appealing events including a Summer Art Fair, a Holiday Art Fair, “Vintage Evening” wine tasting, and an Earth Day Expo. In addition to world-class traveling exhibitions, the Museum calendar includes three yearly exhibitions with a distinctly regional flavor: the Midland Area Schools Art Show, the Museum School Faculty and Student Exhibition and and Michigan’s only juried art show, one of the few remaining statewide art competitions in Michigan, the Greater Michigan Art Exhibition. |
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SPECIAL EVENTS
Watch for special events like receptions, lectures and movies that pop up during the year, all designed to enhance your appreciation and understanding of science and art. Family Discovery Days spread excitement about science and art through hands-on discovery and family fun. |
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EDUCATION – Classes for young and old alike!
Staffed by professional artists and educators, our Museum School offers classes for all ages, and summer camps for youth. Create, explore, and discover art and science! From pottery and photography to weaving and special science courses, we offer classes to satisfy just about every interest and every age. Cultivate your passion. And maybe discover a new one along the way! Scholarships are available for qualifying students. |
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FOR EDUCATORS – Forming the minds of tomorrow
It’s easy to book a field trip specifically tailored to your class! Trained Museum docents lead gallery tours especially designed for the needs of school groups, home schooled students and adults. Science Outreach Programs such as The Magic of Electricity and Spectrum Light Box connect to the Michigan Curriculum Framework Science Content Benchmarks. When you call, be sure to enquire about school field trip grants – money available to make possible a memorable outing for your class.
In-depth materials and activities for many current exhibitions are available at no charge. Be sure to check out our Education Resources page before you visit for fun, creative ideas for enhancing your class’s visit.
Watch for information on our FREE Educators Open House in September, bringing together local organizations with resources for teachers.
Homeschool families will find a place here, too! Our Museum Homeschool Days provide opportunities to experience our Museums and to network. |
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OUTREACH – Out of the box
Our visual arts outreach programs touch the lives of thousands of regional students in an educational, fun and entertaining way. The Picture Parent Program delivers art history and appreciation to elementary students in Midland schools. Project Art Museum is a half-day arts experience for area 5th grade classes. We tailor our Scout programs to include activities that best fit each age group, and offer birthday party fun for ages 5 to 11! |
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HISTORY – Who we are; what we do
With a $100 grant from the American Association of University Women, a visual arts organization was conceived in the spring of 1956 as the Midland Art Association, offering an active schedule of art history courses, workshops and lectures on the visual arts, as well as art education programs for children in the Midland Public Schools. The group has undergone several name changes, but the Alden B. Dow Museum of Science and Art maintains the vision of its founders.
VISION: Enriching the human spirit through science and art for visitors from around the world.
MISSION: The Museum provides a forum to engage the people of mid-Michigan in the constructive and creative expressions found in science and in art.
The Alden B. Dow Museum of Science and Art is accredited by the American Association of Museums. |
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