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Night (or Day) at the MuseumYou know a world-class city by its dedication to expanding the minds of its population. Salt Lake City's museums offer residents and visitors of all ages a chance to learn about creative arts, technology and the natural world, with exhibits that challenge assumptions and inspire creativity.
The Leonardo: Dedicated to matters of science and technology as broad-ranging as the interests of its namesake, Leonardo da Vinci, The Leonardo provides a unique place for children and adults to investigate the discoveries and inventions that have changed the world. From the massive, environment-responsive "hylozoic veil" in the entry lobby, the museum takes visitors through permanent exhibits about Utah-made inventions and the "Perception: The Illusion of Reality," in addition to many places for kids to do their own creating. Touring exhibitions like Body Worlds and Mummies occasionally visit, but check out The Leonardo's own created-in-house exhibit on the history of flight.
209 E. 500 South,
801-531-9800,
theleonardo.org
Discovery Gateway: Once upon a time it was known as the Children's Museum of Utah, but isn't discovery a lifelong experience? There's certainly a treasure trove of kid-friendly exhibits and activities for every personality. Youngsters can get active in the 1,600-square-foot "Move It!" play area, or build with giant foam blocks; those who love indulging their creative side can make their own animation or perform their own plays on a theater stage. And learning about the grown-up world gets a fun dimension in kid-sized recreations of a grocery store, a farm, a service station and a construction zone.
444 W. 100 South,
801-456-5437,
discoverygateway.org
Utah Museum of Fine Arts: After a long renovation of its main gallery spaces, the museum at the University of Utah will be re-opening to the public in summer 2017, bringing back its impressive permanent collection and occasional touring shows. In the meantime, lectures and films—including the ARTLandish series connecting art to the environment—continue in the museum's auditorium and at off-site venues. The museum's café and gift store are open to the public.
410 Campus Center Drive,
801-581-7332,
umfa.utah.edu
Utah Museum of Contemporary Art: Great modern works by national, international and local Utah artists find an impressive showcase space in this downtown SLC fixture. From painting to sculpture, from mixed-media to site-specific installations, the UMOCA galleries have been bringing challenging work to Utahns for more than 80 years (since the organization's first incarnation as the Art Barn Association).
20 S. West Temple,
801-328-4201,
utahmoca.org
Clark Planetarium: Space is still a frontier worth exploring in exhibits covering astronomy, man's history of space travel (like the International Space Station or a display of locally made rocket boosters) and an interactive quiz testing knowledge about our solar system. Once you've had a chance to check out the free exhibits and peruse the expansive gift shop full of great educational toys, learn even more about our world and worlds beyond through shows in the Hansen Dome Theatre, or experience your favorite classic music with laser light shows.
110 S. 400 West,
385-468-7827,
clarkplanetarium.org
Natural History Museum of Utah: A shining copper beacon on the hill, the 42,000-square-foot Rio Tinto Center houses the Natural History Museum of Utah—providing a stunning state-of-the-art facility for exploration of the people, creatures and natural phenomena that have made Utah what it is today. Hands-on exhibits and impressive displays introduce visitors to the cultures of the state's indigenous tribes, the climate and geography of the Great Basin, gems and minerals from the area and the story of the Great Salt Lake. Those who can't get enough dinosaurs can gawk at the full skeletal reconstructions towering over the Eccles Gallery, as well as world's largest display of horned dinosaur skulls.
301 Wakara Way,
801-581-4303,
nhmu.utah.edu