ST. LOUIS, MO – February 19, 2025
Saint Louis Science Center Again Finishes at the Top of USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Awards
National Vote Rewards Institution for Connection with Community, Unique Experiences
USA Today announced this morning that the Saint Louis Science Center finished among the Top Five in three categories of the publication’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards — including the #1 ranking for Best Planetarium, #2 for Best Free Museum and #5 for Best Science Museum. This marks the fourth consecutive year that the Science Center placed among the Top Five in these awards, with 2025 being the first year that Best Planetarium was included in the voting.
“As one of the few free science-based museums in the United States, our team takes great pride in being recognized so highly and so consistently by travel and tourism experts and those who recognize that the Science Center is truly special,” Saint Louis Science Center President and Chief Executive Officer Todd Bastean notes. “We strive to present unique and meaningful experiences inside the Science Center walls and throughout our community and area appreciative that our efforts are rewarded.”
The 10Best Awards nominate 20 entities to enter every category, with categories launched every other Monday throughout the year. Nominees are chosen by a panel of expert contributors (USA Today editors, relevant contributors and sources for Gannett properties). After nominations, voting is conducted by readers and other contributors for the month that follows.
Best Planetarium: Since opening in 1963, the James S. McDonnell Planetarium at the Science Center has served as THE PLACE for guests to explore the stars and discover St. Louis’ direct impact on America’s space history. Presenting daily star shows and in-person telescope viewing throughout the year, guests can learn about life on Mars and see life-sized replicas of rovers; view photos, artifacts and other material from outer space (including Gemini and Mercury space capsules built in St. Louis during the 1960s); and participate in hands-on activities to bring space closer to home.
The Science Center’s Planetarium finished #1 in the USA Today Readers’ Choice Awards in the first year for this category.
Best Free Museum: A vital part of St. Louis’ Zoo Museum District, the Science Center offers guests of all ages and backgrounds a free place to discover their Wonder of Why. With ten galleries ranging from life science, paleontology and agriculture to space travel, engineering and gaming, hundreds of hands-on, interactive experiences are available.
The Science Center finished #2 in the USA Today Readers’ Choice Awards in this category – its fourth consecutive Top Five finish in this vote.
Best Science Museum: Offering hundreds of hands-on, interactive experiences across ten galleries, the Science Center encourages guests of all ages and backgrounds to seek answers to the Wonder of Why. Through free admission and a broad range of programs and experiences, the institution accomplishes its mission “to inspire everyone to be curious and engaged in science”.
The Science Center finished #5 in the USA Today Readers’ Choice Awards in this category – its fourth consecutive Top Five finish in this vote.
For more inquiries, contact:
Doug Bolnick, Public Relations Manager
Email or call 314.289.4461
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