Museum & Science Center > Exhibits
Wonders of Water
The new Wonders of Water permanent exhibit allows visitors to immerse themselves in fun in a whole new watery way. Enjoy extraordinary hands-on experiences that are sure to make a splash in the imagination to bring kids and families back again and again. Explore the waters of the Greater Rochester region and discover your role in protecting them for the future.



Wonders of Water
We’ve always been drawn to water—to satisfy our thirst, of course, but also to quench our need for exploration, for curiosity, and for wonder. Water has played a critical role in the development of our species, our communities, our ecosystems, and our economies.
And it’s also a boatload of fun!
What to Expect
Our brand new Wonders of Water exhibit is guaranteed to make you say “WoW!” as you experience water in a whole new way. During your visit you will…
• Dive into a multimedia exploration of Lake Ontario’s shipwrecks! Learn what life was like for diverse sailors aboard the USS Scourge, and discover why this nineteenth-century ship sank.
• Play the role of an underwater archaeologist and explore a shipwreck, or play the role of one of its sailors and relax in the Quiet Quarters to escape the busy currents of the gallery.
• Manipulate a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) to investigate the Great Lakes’ oldest shipwreck, the HMS Ontario and discover what is at the bottom of Lake Ontario.
• Ascend a colossal new climbing structure to discover aquatic species living at various depths and emerge with a birds-eye view of the shipwreck below.




EXPERIENCE the wonder FOR YOURSELF
We’re fortunate to live in an area where water is all around us. Come visit the new Wonders of Water exhibit, where you’ll be sure to say “WoW!” and appreciate H20 in a whole new way!
*Don’t forget! Members of the Buffalo Museum of Science and other participating ASTC science centers or museums can visit for free!
About The Exhibit
This exhibit was made possible by the generous support :
Walter and Barbara Parkes
Victor and Eileen Salerno
Emil Muller Foundation
ESL Federal Credit Union
LaBella Associates
Ames-Amzalak Memorial Trust
Nancy and Sreeram Dhurjaty
The Dickman Family
Jim, Diana, Elle, and J.R. Donnelly
Fred and Alice Merz
Jim and Jennifer Meyer
The Schnell Family
Humanities New York
Waldron Rise Foundation (Quiet Quarters)
This project was made possible in part by:
Institute for Museum & Library Services (IMLS)