Explore Hands-On, STEM-Based Projects with Your Family
Science, technology, engineering and math are at the heart of making things. The Science Museum’s permanent makerspace, The Forge, harnesses the power of the maker movement and encourages guests to roll up their sleeves and create!
The Forge is a cross-generational makerspace for guests of all ages. Come work together to create solutions and tap into your creativity.
Spark Inspiration
Featuring both a showroom and workshop, The Forge is designed to facilitate the creative process, spark inspiration, and instill the idea that anything is possible.
The WestRock Gallery displays inventive regional products, interactive stations (such as a 500 multi-colored programmable lighting piece), and introduces guests to innovative tools and materials. Additionally, the centerpiece of the space is a large welding robot, taught to draw, that creates masterful artistic renditions right before your eyes!
At the heart of The Forge is our workshop comprising the Sharp Design Studio, workroom and machine shop. This space is equipped with quality traditional tools and the latest technologies like CNC routers, 3D printers, a laser cutter and much more. This space allows guests a deeper exploration into STEM and making by giving them the chance to participate in hands-on workshops that emphasize tool utilization and skill development.
The Forge Activity Choices
Workshops will be held Tuesday–Sunday at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. except for the following dates in November, 5 and 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30.
Maker Workshops are longer, 45-minute experiences led by Forge Facilitators. These project-based workshops result in a take-home item and are limited to 12 participants. All participants must be 8+ or 11+ , depending on the workshop. Additionally, participants under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Please refer to each workshop's details for more information regarding age requirements and skills/tools used during our workshops.
Registration is required for all guests including members.
Our reservation process now occurs in person on the day of your visit. Stop by the front desk in the Rotunda to reserve your space with a member of our Guest Services team.
See the Workshop schedule at the top of this page or the Science Museum's full schedule of programming.
Maker Challenges are held Tuesday–Sunday, from 10 a.m.–noon and 3:30–5 p.m. except for the following dates in November, 5, 6, 17, 18 and 25.
Stop by the Forge anytime during Maker Challenge hours! No registration is required and you can stay for 15 minutes or the entire duration of the challenge – it's up to you! These open-exploration engineering and design challenges are designed for learners of all ages!
Use your creativity and critical thinking skills to build a solution to the a new challenge each month. And on your next visit, challenge yourself to create an even better solution. See our Maker Challenge schedule at the top of this page or see the Science Museum's full schedule of programming.
Forge Workshop FAQs
What time do I need to arrive to attend a workshop?
We recommend arriving 5 minutes before the start of the workshop. The doors to The Forge remain locked so a facilitator will let you in when they are ready to begin the workshop. We have a four-minute grace period for workshops. If you have not arrived by that time, we take any guests from the waitlist and then we start the workshop. To ensure adequate time to complete the structured workshop, we do not allow entrance after 1:05/2:05 p.m.
How long are the workshops?
Workshops are 45 minutes long. This means they begin promptly at 1 p.m. or 2 p.m. and are finished by 1:45 and 2:45, respectively.
How much does it cost to attend the workshops?
Workshops are included with Science Museum admission, but there is limited space and they do require a reservation, made at the front desk in the Rotunda.
Can I reserve a spot before we arrive?
Our reservation process now occurs in person on the day of your visit. Stop by the front desk in the Rotunda to reserve your space with a member of our Guest Services team.
Why can't I reserve online any more?
We continue to experiment with different approaches to reservations as we try to serve as many guests as possible in our workshops. Registering in person increases the likelihood that everyone who made a reservation is present for the workshop.
Why is there an age restriction?
These workshops are limited to guests 8+ or 11+ because the activities require focused attention and the ability to safely use tools that may be sharp, hot or heavy.
There's only one reservation left but I have a group of four; can we squeeze in?
Our workshops are limited to 12 guests due to seating and supply limitations. If your reservation says one guest, then we can only accommodate one guest.
Can I leave my 13-year-old to do the workshop while I walk around with the rest of my group?
Yes, we just ask that you remain in the Science Museum during this time.
I see there are spaces available during a workshop that has started. Can I join in?
No, we cannot allow guests into the workshop after the four-minute grace period. These are structured 45-minute workshops, so allowing guests in late will disrupt the flow and timing for the entire group.
What can I do if there are no reservations left in the workshop? Is there a waitlist?
If there are no reservations available, you may wait by the LEGO table and speak with a facilitator about getting on a waitlist. Facilitators will move to the waitlist to fill the workshop if a registered guest has not arrived by the four-minute grace period.
Explore Our Teens-Only Makerspace
Contact the Museum Maker Team
