Visiting Information

Experience Facing Mars at the Science Center of Iowa June 2, 2012, through January 6, 2013!

Important information before you visit:

Non-refundable timed tickets are available every 15 minutes during business hours and the last ticket is sold 60 minutes prior to SCI closing.
Estimated exploration time is 60 minutes, and there is no re-entry.
Food and drink are prohibited within the exhibition.
Photography is allowed in the entire exhibition.
If you plan to see Roving Mars, Hubble or another IMAX film, we recommend you select a showtime at least 1 hour prior to your Facing Mars entry time.
Before you arrive, check out our Education & Resources page for guides, activities and more!

Find more to explore with these related programs!

NASA Shuttle Legacy Exhibit: Conquering Low Earth Orbit

This special NASA exhibit celebrating the Shuttle program will be on display in the Why The Sky? experience platform throughout the run of Facing Mars. It features artifacts and information from the Space Shuttle program, a real spacesuit, shuttle tire and a 1:15 scale model of a Space Shuttle. The Conquering Low Earth Orbit exhibit will be free with general admission to SCI.

Martian Mondays

Each Monday, SCI opens the doors to children ages 0-5 and their parents at 9:00 am -- an hour before the general public! Take your youngster on a journey through Facing Mars with discounted 5 and under admission with paid adult. Learn more about Martian Mondays.

Train Like An Astronaut

Do you have what it takes to lift off into space? As part of our Let’s Move Museum designation, SCI will teach children about what it takes to fly into outer space. Participants will learn about the physical fitness, proper nutrition and problem-solving skills it takes to be the next Neil Armstrong or Peggy Whitson. Visitors can begin their training at SCI June 16, July 21 and August 18. [Learn more about Train Like An Astronaut.]

Star Parties

Experience the out-of-this-world-outer space observation! Take a look through a telescope and get a quick lesson on the basics of telescope operation. Guests will have the opportunity to observe celestial objects, colorful double stars and star clusters, meteor showers and more. Star Parties will take place monthly. [Learn more about Star Parties.]

Special Events

Café Scientifique - Tuesday, June 5 - Deflecting Disaster: Preventing an Asteroid Apocalypse

This monthly program features cutting-edge, adult-oriented science forums with leaders in science and technology. On June 5, Bong Wie, Iowa State University’s Director of the Asteroid Deflection Research Center, will present what his team is doing to prevent an asteroid from smashing into Earth and causing global climate change and/or the end of civilization.

NASA’s Curiosity Rover Landing Event

NASA’s latest rover, Curiosity, is currently en route to the Red Planet and is scheduled to land on August 6, 2012. SCI will host special workshops and programming to celebrate its journey and landing.

Get the most from your experience:

Extended Exhibit Hours

Family Night

The second Friday of every month is dedicated to families! Discover the past together with Egypt-themed activities and programming. SCI Member families of four or more can experience Lost Egypt for just $20! Learn more about Family Night.

Other Ways to Save

Choose combo admission to Facing Mars and Roving Mars or Hubble in IMAX together!
Become an SCI member for discounts on tickets, 10% off merchandise in the exhibition gift shop, access to exclusive member events and more!
Educators, plan a school visit for your students to experience this exhibition along with SCI's dynamic films, live programs and Discovery Labs.
Visit with a group or youth group of 10 or more people for a special rate on all SCI tickets that include Facing Mars.
Book a private event! Rent this space for an unforgettable exclusive exhibition experience.