Collections – Temple Lantern | Japan, ca. early 1900s

This brass lantern was designed to hang under the eaves of Buddhist temples and shrines in Japan. Shaped like a pagoda, it has hinged doors and a traditional Japanese design etched on its six sides. Originally introduced from China around the 8th century for use in Imperial palaces, these lamps became popular fixtures to light… Continue reading

The Secret Strength of Triangles

Fun fact: Triangles are one of the strongest geometric shapes. In this video, Kelsey explains why the triangle is often used in buildings and bridges. He’ll even show you how to use triangles to easily build your own support structures at home. Connect with curiosity!

Collections – Wall mounted gas lamp, 19th century

The flammability of coal gas was discovered by accident in the 1730s, yet gas was not applied as a practical lighting method for widespread use until the 1790s. Even then, most people distrusted gas fixtures inside the home and did not universally incorporate them until the 1880s. Gas lamps of the Victorian era, like this… Continue reading

Saint Louis Science Center Collections A to Z

The Science Center’s Collections Department cares for and preserves a wide variety of artifacts, some of which may surprise you! From animals to fossils, ancient pottery to meteorites, space toys to medical tools, here you can discover a selection of wonderful things from A-Z. Connect with curiosity!

5 Ways Roman Technology was Ahead of its Time

Discover the treasures of ancient Rome in POMEPII: THE EXHIBITION now on display Thousands of years after its collapse, ancient Rome is well known for its ingenious engineering tactics and advanced technology. From constructing hundreds of roads stretching thousands of miles to maintaining a water supply sustaining millions of people, Roman engineers provided the ancient… Continue reading

New Game Exhibit Opening October 13

Connect to a universe of games in our latest free interactive exhibit, GameXPloration opening October 13. Showcasing games and gaming, from board games to video games to virtual reality. GameXPloration welcomes visitors to a universe of games, a universe that does not follow the dimensions of space and time, where you will play to learn and… Continue reading