Our Purpose & Vision
ASTC’s purpose is to champion and support science and technology centers and museums and the entire science engagement field toward a vision of increasing understanding of and engagement with science and technology among all people.
Find a Science Center or Museum
Search our membership directory to find a science center near you. Please check each institution’s website to find out if you need to reserve in advance.
Read About Our Members
Learn about some of the people behind ASTC’s 600+ members around the world which, together, engage more than 110 million people annually in science and technology.
Science engagement involves hands-on encounters with real science, whether demonstrations, exhibits, lectures, workshops or even debates on current issues.
Science centers and museums connect people with science, offer first-hand opportunities to engage in scientific activity, and inspire curiosity.
Topics in science engagement range from Federal policy and budget issues to STEM in the public discourse.
Latest News
USA TODAY 10Best lists recognize ASTC members
Earlier today, USA TODAY announced the winners in its 10Best Reader’s Choice awards for Best Science Museum and Best Children’s Museum. As in the past,
ASTC members offer diverse programming on planetary health
Globally, members of the public are increasingly concerned about climate change and other threats to our planet’s health, including biodiversity loss and air, soil, and
Understanding science center and children’s museum workforces: ACM–ASTC Workforce Survey
The Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) and the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) are again partnering to look at the workforce of our
Current Features
Community Science is more important than ever. ASTC is connecting, supporting, and building capacity for our members’ work to address community priorities through science engagement.
The Roy L. Shafer Leading Edge Awards are presented to ASTC members and their teams in recognition of extraordinary accomplishments that enhance their organizations and advance our entire field.
ASTC’s award-winning magazine Dimensions has moved fully online. Readers can expect the same high-quality content in its new format. We invite all members of the community to submit