Sloan Museum of Discovery

Imagine a place where the history of the automotive capital meets cutting-edge scientific discoveries. The Sloan Museum of Discovery is a modern interactive complex located in the cultural heart of Flint, USA. Following a massive renovation, the museum has transformed into a vast space covering over 10,000 square meters, where every guest—from toddlers to tech enthusiasts—will find something captivating.

The exhibition is divided into several themed zones. In Discovery Hall, visitors can enjoy fascinating experiments with water and the laws of physics, while the Hagerman Street gallery features a recreated miniature mid-20th-century town, perfect for learning through play. A particular point of pride for the museum is the Durant historic vehicle gallery, showcasing rare examples of machinery produced right here in Flint.

As part of the Institute of Science and History, this museum does more than just store artifacts; it actively tells the story of the region—from the lives of Indigenous peoples to the great industrial achievements of General Motors. It is a unique educational hub that inspires creativity and new discoveries in a friendly and informative atmosphere.

For more information regarding special events or group bookings, you can use the contact details provided below. We also recommend visiting the official website before your visit to check for current announcements regarding temporary exhibitions.

There is certainly no room for boredom at the Sloan Museum of Discovery, as the hands-on concept means that almost all exhibits can and should be touched. Begin your journey in Discovery Hall, where you'll find a massive water table demonstrating the Great Lakes system and a creative laboratory for young inventors. If you are visiting with small children, be sure to stop by Hagerman Street—a charming interactive town where kids can try out different professions in a setting from the last century.

Tech enthusiasts should pay special attention to the Durant Historic Vehicle Gallery. It houses an impressive collection of vintage cars and concept vehicles that you won't encounter on regular roads. You can trace Flint's journey as the birthplace of an automotive giant and learn about the people who stood at the industry's origins. Additionally, the museum frequently hosts festive events and temporary exhibitions covering everything from dinosaurs to renewable energy.

For those who want to dive deeper into the local flavor, the Genesee County history gallery is open. There, you can see a replica of an old-fashioned soda pop shop and learn about the famous strikes that changed the country's labor laws. You can wrap up your tour at the cozy Coffee Beanery café, discussing what you've seen over a cup of coffee.

The Sloan Museum of Discovery is conveniently located within the Flint Cultural Center at 1221 E Kearsley St. If you are planning to arrive by car, the complex offers free parking for visitors, making your visit as easy as possible.

For those preferring public transport, you can use the local Genesee County bus routes that stop directly at the Cultural Center. If you are coming from another city, such as Detroit, the drive via I-75 North takes about an hour. From Bishop International Airport (FNT), the museum is just a 15-minute ride by taxi or rental car.

Once inside the Cultural Center, you can easily move between the various sites on foot. The museum is located in close proximity to the Longway Planetarium and the Flint Institute of Arts, allowing you to combine several iconic landmarks into a single outing.

The museum first opened its doors to visitors in 1966 under the name "Sloan Panorama of Transportation." It was named after Alfred P. Sloan, the legendary president and CEO of General Motors. From its inception, the museum combined the history of automotive development with the extensive archives of the Genesee County Historical Society.

A major milestone occurred in 2004 when the museum joined forces with the Longway Planetarium to form the Flint Institute of Science and History (F.I.S.H.). This merger significantly expanded the educational programs, which now serve tens of thousands of students annually. The museum's archival collections are impressive, housing over 52,000 artifacts and hundreds of thousands of documents that shed light on the region's industrial past.

The museum took on its modern appearance after a major renovation that began in 2019. The project, costing approximately $30 million, nearly doubled the exhibition space. The updated Sloan Museum of Discovery reopened in July 2022, presenting the public with a completely reimagined interactive space where the city's history is closely intertwined with modern scientific achievements.

To leisurely explore all four main galleries and see the collection of rare automobiles, it typically takes 2 to 3 hours. This is enough time to walk through the history halls and try out the interactive exhibits in the Earth sciences zone.

If you are planning a visit with children, who will likely want to spend more time on "Hagerman Street" or in the Discovery Lab workshop, it is worth setting aside about 4 hours or even half a day. Also, keep in mind that temporary exhibitions may require extra time for a detailed look.

The museum is open to visitors Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and on Sunday from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Please note that the institution is closed on Mondays.

The operating schedule may change during holidays or during special private events. We strongly recommend checking the latest information on the official website before planning your visit.

A visit to the Sloan Museum of Discovery can easily be complemented by exploring other local points of interest. A walk around the neighborhood will allow you to dive deeper into the architectural heritage and atmosphere of this historic industrial hub.