Which is the best Nuclear Science Museum?
 

I'm kind of a Shopping/Art/Foodie snob travelling with A-bomb science groupies.
I have tolerance for one -- count it ONE -- museum about the Atom Bomb. So what's it to be -- Bradbury in Los Alamos or National Museum of Nuclear Science in Albuquerque? Our group will include teens and preteens, and I would like to learn something there too -- so please, do you have a recommendation for the most informative/ interesting of the nuclear science museums? Or, do they differ in some fundamental way? -- like is one more about the science of splitting the atom and the other about the history of developing the bomb?

Things you might want to know: our trip is next week (!), we'll be in New Mexico for only 5 days (unfortunately). We have some VERY science knowledgable people and some less so (a pre-teen), and um, me, but would like an experience that we can all benefit from.

Thanks so much!

absthegal

I've only been to the one in Albuquerque, so I can't help, sorry. Hopefully someone can compare the two for you.

Lee Ann

The Bradbury in Los Alamos (http://www.lanl.gov/museum/ ) has quite a lot of information on display and several hands-ons exhibits - as well as a short video/movie. There is something for everyone to discover about science... and it is free admission.

Can't provide feedback on the National Museum of Nuclear Science (http://www.nuclearmuseum.org/) as I have only driven by it.

I havebeen to The Bradbury and thought it was very well done. And since it's in Los Alamos, where the project took place, I thought that added to the experience.

I have also been to one in ABQ [at a previous location] and didn't think it was anywhere near as good.

I am not the stickler on this topic, but I'd go with The Bradbury.

If you go to the Branbury, take a little time to check out Bandelier NM for a look at something that is sooo far from nuclear science, a Native American site that is carved into the rock (really hardened volcanic ash) and would be a great place to explore outside after being in the museum. It is only minutes from Los Alamos.

Lee Ann, 1reviewer, debitNM, and emalloy:

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. I really appreciate it!

absthegal