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Bradbury Museum Offers Free Science Exhibits, Context on LANL Work

The Bradbury Science Museum in downtown Los Alamos presents more than 40 interactive exhibits that trace the Manhattan Project through contemporary Los Alamos National Laboratory research, and admission is free. Its TechLab hands on activities for children and two daily short films make the museum a practical learning and tourism anchor for local residents and visitors.

Sarah Chen2 min read
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Bradbury Museum Offers Free Science Exhibits, Context on LANL Work
Source: cdn.lanl.gov

The Bradbury Science Museum, operated by Los Alamos National Laboratory, serves as a central public gateway to the Lab's history and modern research. Located at 1450 Central Ave, the downtown museum displays more than 40 interactive exhibits across history, defense, and research galleries, offering residents and visitors a concentrated view of the Manhattan Project alongside current work in supercomputing, space, energy, and life sciences.

Exhibits include historical models and artifacts, including full scale models connected to World War II era work, and contemporary displays that illustrate the Lab's scientific priorities. The TechLab provides hands on science activities aimed at families and children. Two short films run throughout the day, giving visitors brief orienting overviews before they explore the galleries.

The museum is free to enter, which keeps educational materials accessible to local families, school groups, and regional tourists. Typical hours are Tuesday through Saturday with limited Sunday hours, and information on hours and seasonal closures is posted on the museum site and VisitLosAlamos. Its downtown address and central location make the Bradbury an easy stop for those exploring Los Alamos, and the museum is a common destination for people seeking context on the Lab's historic and contemporary roles.

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For the local economy, the museum functions as both an educational resource and a modest driver of foot traffic for downtown businesses. By offering no cost admission and family oriented programming, the museum lowers barriers for residents to engage with science and energy topics that shape regional planning and workforce needs. Public exposure to the Lab's research can influence community discussions about technology investment, training pipelines for STEM jobs, and how Los Alamos balances historical legacy with modern scientific missions.

As the museum continues to present evolving research galleries and community programming, it remains a core local institution linking Los Alamos National Laboratory, residents, and visitors through accessible exhibits, interactive learning, and a clear downtown presence.

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