The award affirms Lowell Observatory's mission to inspire people of all ages about the wonders of the universe. Through its state-of-the-art Astronomy Discovery Center, telescope viewing, stargazing experiences, and immersive tours and presentations, the observatory connects visitors with the cosmos in exceptional ways.
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., March 6, 2025 -- Newsweek has crowned Lowell Observatory the best science museum in the United States, based on public voting in the 2025 Readers' Choice Awards contest. This recognition follows a February voting period during which 15 organizations, nominated by a panel of experts, vied for the top spot. The final 10 were chosen by popular vote.
"Congratulations to Lowell Observatory on being named the Best Science Museum by Newsweek," said United States Senator (Arizona) Mark Kelly. "Lowell has been at the forefront of astronomical discovery, inspiring generations of scientists and space enthusiasts. This well-deserved recognition highlights the observatory's continued impact on education, research, and our understanding of the universe."
Alix Skelpsa Ridgway, Interim Director of the Arizona Office of Tourism, adds, "This well-earned recognition highlights Lowell Observatory's ability to not only inspire infinite curiosity, wonder and amazement among its visitors, but also continue to uncover new discoveries across our universe. As a paragon of Arizona's booming dark skies tourism industry and a pillar of the Flagstaff community, Lowell will continue to connect Arizonans and visitors with the night sky in ways few others can."
Founded in 1894—18 years before Arizona became a state—Lowell Observatory has been a beacon of astronomical research and education, firmly establishing itself as a key part of Flagstaff's identity and economy.
Trace Ward, Director of the Flagstaff Convention and Visitors Bureau, said, "Lowell Observatory's storied history and ongoing contributions to astronomical education and research, Flagstaff's STEM City designation, and the local community spirit are truly unparalleled. This recognition is well deserved."
In response to its rapidly growing popularity, with annual visitation exceeding 100,000 guests, Lowell Observatory opened its new Astronomy Discovery Center this past November.
Dr. Amanda Bosh, Executive Director of Lowell Observatory, said, "We are honored to receive this distinction as Newsweek's best science museum. Our mission blends science with the beauty and wonder of astronomy, creating unique and meaningful connections for each visitor."
Lowell Observatory topped the list of winners in the Newsweek Reader's Choice voting, followed by Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (Portland, Oregon), Science Museum of Virginia (Richmond, Virginia), Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (Chicago, Illinois), Field Museum (Chicago, Illinois), Science Museum of Oklahoma (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma), American Museum of Natural History (New York City, New York), NASA Kennedy Space Center (Merritt Island, Florida), Exploratorium of San Francisco (San Francisco, California) and California Academy of Science (San Francisco, California).
To view Newsweek's official announcement, visit: https://www.newsweek.com/readerschoice/best-science-museum-2025
About Lowell Observatory
Founded in 1894, Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, is a renowned nonprofit research institution. It is the site of historic and groundbreaking discoveries, including the first evidence of the expanding universe and the discovery of Pluto. Today, Lowell's astronomers utilize global ground-based and space telescopes, along with NASA spacecraft, for diverse astronomical and planetary science research. The observatory hosts more than 100,000 visitors annually for educational tours, presentations, and telescope viewing through a suite of world-class public telescopes.
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