AMSE - Where Science and History Come Alive!

Explore the birth of the nuclear age – the most newsworthy event of the 20th Century
at the American Museum of Science and Energy, which opened 30 minutes after the
gates to the secret city of Oak Ridge on March 19, 1949.
 

The American Museum of Science and Energy
300 South Tulane Avenue in Oak Ridge, Tennessee
  

The museum opened in an old wartime cafeteria. It was originally named the American Museum of Atomic Energy. Its guided tours took visitors through the peaceful uses of atomic energy. The present facility, opened in 1975, continues to provide the general public with energy information. The name of the museum was changed to the American Museum of Science and Energy (AMSE) in 1978. Spark curiosity, ignite discovery and make history live for the family at the American Museum for Science and Energy, in Oak Ridge, Tennessee! Experiment with basic science in AMSE's Exploration Station, MicroLab PowerLab, Brain Busters and So Much More! Discover Earth's Energy Resources and Interact with exhibits on fossil fuels and alternative energy sources that provide the energy mix for the entire United States. Encounter history making events of the World War II "Manhattan Project" in Oak Ridge - The Secret City, Y-12 and the National Security Complex and the World of the Atom Galleries! Two levels of hands-on, minds-on exhibits await visitors who can also articipate in live demonstrations including, "Atoms and Atom Smashers", resulting in hair raising experiences on the Van de Graaf generator. Take home a souvenir of an AMSE visit from the Discovery Shop which offers unique science, energy and World War II history books, kits, experiments and clothing.

  Hours:
Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Discovery Shop Hours:

Monday through Saturday 10:30 - 4:45
Sunday 1:00 - 4:45

For more information about items sold in  the Discovery Store see our Discovery Store web page.

Educational Materials now available

AMSE has partnered with the Department of Energy's
Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI)
to make available previously out of print instructional material
on nuclear energy and an excellent publication on
the Manhattan Project. (More...)

Admission:  Adults $5 Seniors (65+) $4 Youth (6-17) $3 Children (5 and under) free. AMSE members are free. Group rates are available for 20 or more with advance reservations.

AMSE Annual Memberships:
Family $35, Grandparents $30, Individuals $25.

Purchase an AMSE membership and receive unlimited AMSE visits for the
12 months from date of purchase, member newsletter, member only events,
discounts in the Discovery Shop and on AMSE camps, classes, workshops,
birthday parties, facility rentals and free admission to 300 museums that
participate in the Association of Science Technology Centers (ASTC)
Passport program.



Meetings, Events and Conferences:

Interested in using the Museum facility for a meeting, event or conference?
Find out more on the Rent AMSE page.


For more information on museum membership, programs, events and exhibits,
or to schedule a group visit, call AMSE at (865) 576-3200.



How to get to AMSE
 
Directions are provided for visitors coming..
 From Cincinnati (I-75 South), Chattanooga (I-75 North),
Asheville (I-40 East), Knoxville (I-40 West), and Bristol (I-81 South).
 
Maps and additional information on Oak Ridge attractions are available
at the Oak Ridge Welcome Center - Oak Ridge Visitors Bureau - located
next door to the museum.