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Location
The Bradbury Science Museum is located in the heart of downtown Los Alamos, New Mexico, at the corner of Central and 15th streets (see map). Los Alamos is sited dramatically on the colorful mesas that extend from the wooded slopes of the Jemez Mountains to the west. The town of about 17,000 people overlooks the Rio Grande Valley and, to the east beyond, the peaks of the Sangre de Cristo range, which form the southern end of the Rocky Mountains. Los Alamos is a 40-minute drive north and west of Santa Fe and is just 25 minutes from Bandelier National Monument, the site of ancient Native American cliff dwellings.
Mission
The Bradbury Science Museum's primary mission is (1) to interpret Laboratory research, activities, and history to official visitors, the general public, and Laboratory employees; (2) to promote greater public understanding of the Laboratory's role in national security programs; (3) to assist the taxpaying public in making informed judgments in these matters; and (4) to contribute to visitors' knowledge of science and technology and to improve the quality of math and science education in northern New Mexico.
Origin and Operation
Rich in history, the Museum was founded
in 1963 and is named for the Laboratory's second director, Norris E.
Bradbury, who served from 1945 to 1970. The Museum is a component of
Los Alamos National Laboratory, which is operated for the U.S. Department
of Energy by the University of California. Starting November 1, 2004,
the Museum is open Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10am to 5pm, and closed Sundays,
Mondays, and Federal Holidays (see Visiting).
Admission is free.
Visitors
Since moving to its current site in April 1993, the Museum has hosted almost 110,000 visitors a year who have come to see the Museum's exhibits and participate in its community and education programs.
Exhibits
Over 40 high-tech interactive exhibits within five galleries explain the Laboratory's defense, technology, and basic research projects, as well as the history of the Manhattan Project. Many of the exhibits incorporate hands-on activities such as computer programs, learning activities, and videos. A 20-minute film on the history of the race to build the atomic bomb at Los Alamos is shown throughout the day. Museum guides are always on hand to answer questions.
Science Education
During weekdays, science educators give live, hands-on science demonstrations for visitors and school groups.
Community Programs
The Museum's programs for the community include evening lectures, Science Circus, High-Tech Halloween, and other special activities.
The Museum's Collection
The Bradbury Science Museum maintains an archival collection of over 500 artifacts dating from the Manhattan Project and representing most of the major scientific efforts made by Los Alamos National Laboratory.
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