Member News

The Rochester Museum & Science Center (RMSC) is excited to announce the return of its Amazon Free Afternoons program. Thanks to a generous $100,000 grant from the Amazon Charitable Fund for the Greater Rochester Region at Rochester Area Community Foundation, community members can enjoy free admission to all three RMSC locations from Noon to 5pm on the first Wednesday of every month, starting August 5, 2026, and running through July 7, 2027.

During its previous run from August 2024 to August 2025, the initiative welcomed thousands of guests at no cost, eliminating economic barriers to access and opening doors to hands-on learning.

“The RMSC’s mission is to inspire lifelong learning, and that starts with making these experiences accessible to all,” said Bruce Baker, Chair of the Board of Trustees at the RMSC. “We are deeply grateful to the Amazon Charitable Fund and Rochester Area Community Foundation for bringing back a program that clearly resonates with local families. By removing financial barriers, we hope to spark a passion for discovery that inspires our community’s youth to pursue future careers in STEM and related career opportunities.”

“At Amazon, we’re committed to investing in the communities where we live and work, and that starts with removing barriers to the hands-on experiences that spark curiosity in young people. Through our continued partnership with the RMSC, Amazon Free Afternoons eliminates the cost of admission so that thousands of families across the Greater Rochester region can explore science, nature, and hands-on STEM learning together. We’re proud to support a program that sparks discovery in young people and strengthens our community for years to come.” -Glendowlyn Thames, Head of Economic Development for Amazon in NY

“Monroe County is proud to have helped bring Amazon and the Rochester Museum & Science Center together around a shared goal: expanding access to learning, discovery, and opportunity for families across our community,” said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. “Through COMIDA’s support for Amazon’s major investments in Monroe County, we also made clear that strong economic development should translate into strong community partnership. Amazon Free Afternoons is exactly the kind of outcome we hoped to see – a meaningful investment that removes barriers for children and families, supports one of our region’s most important cultural and educational institutions, and helps inspire the next generation of STEM talent right here in Monroe County.”

The upcoming Amazon Free Afternoons series will feature a robust lineup of interactive programming across all three campuses, including:

• Museum & Science Center: Live science demonstrations, Electricity Theater shows, and hands-on STEM encounters.
• Strasenburgh Planetarium: Captivating star and laser shows.
• Cumming Nature Center: Scenic nature hikes and outdoor exploration.

Through this renewed partnership, the RMSC invites neighbors from across the region to explore, experiment, and imagine. Whether guests are testing prototypes, experimenting with lasers, or discovering local natural history, this program directly advances the organization’s commitment to fostering curiosity and community engagement without financial barriers.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to discover something that inspires them, and for generations, the Rochester Museum & Science Center has been where that journey begins for so many, including me,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “I’ve loved the RMSC for as long as I can remember because it sparks curiosity, fuels a passion for science, and reminds us that innovation and discovery can change lives. By making these experiences free and accessible, Amazon, Rochester Area Community Foundation, and the RMSC are opening the door for more young people to imagine, explore, and dream big. I’m grateful for their partnership and look forward to seeing even more families take advantage of this incredible opportunity.”

Senator Jeremy Cooney said, “The Rochester Museum & Science Center is a hub of learning, creativity, and fun for all ages. With today’s announcement, this cornerstone of the community will be more accessible than ever, allowing all members of our community to enjoy everything the RMSC has to offer. I want to thank all the partners who made this a reality for Rochesterians!”

“Summer is the perfect time to pay RMSC a visit- especially during the hottest part of the day. With free afternoon admission on the first Wednesday of each month, every family will have the opportunity to escape the heat for an afternoon learning about space, geology, and more! The RMSC has something for everyone, and thanks to Rochester Area Community Foundation and Amazon Afternoons free admissions program, the RMSC is also available for everyone to enjoy!” Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson

Bob Duffy, President & CEO, Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, said, “Amazon’s generous investment in our Greater Rochester community is a powerful reinforcement that all business is local business. We are grateful for the Amazon Charitable Fund for continuing to invest in our community and its vibrancy. This donation creates the opportunity for all members of the community, no matter their socioeconomic status, to enjoy the various offerings at the award-winning Rochester Museum & Science Center, setting them up for future STEM educational and career success — a welcome investment in our region’s long-term success.”

Dates:

August 5, 2026
September 2, 2026
October 7, 2026
November 4, 2026
December 2, 2026
January 6, 2027
February 3, 2027
March 3, 2027
April 7, 2027
May 5, 2027
June 2, 2027
July 7, 2027

The mission of the RMSC (Rochester Museum & Science Center) is to create a better world through inspiring curiosity, exploration, and engagement across history, science, culture, and the natural world. RMSC includes the Museum & Science Center, Strasenburgh Planetarium,  and the Cumming Nature Center in Naples. Offering experiences at the Museum & Science Center with more than 120 interactive exhibits, the Planetarium with a 65-foot dome, and the Nature Center on an 850-acre preserve of wilderness, the RMSC stimulates community interest in exploration and creates immersive experiences for all ages. The more than 1.2 million RMSC collection items tell the story of the Rochester Region’s past and present, including its rich history of cultural, social, and technological innovation and its natural history, including fossils, animals, and geological specimens. RMSC receives major funding from Monroe County, where it is one of the top five most visited attractions serving children and families.

For more information about the RMSC, visit rmsc.org. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.