Inventor Center

Inventor Center will reopen with the Powering Mars challenge on 9/20!

Location: RMSC Third Floor
Made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Power cities, build cars, harness wind, and fire catapults in Inventor Center.

We proudly present a fascinating “maker space!” You can participate in engineering and design challenges as you tinker with raw materials to create working inventions that can be tested and shared. Dive into a hands-on exploration of the inventive process — you might become the next Thomas Edison or Mary Anderson!

Our Inventor Center encourages you to explore the thrilling process of invention. As the first phase of a developing exhibition focused on innovation, the Inventor Center includes a series of participatory stations: learn, build, test, and share. Learn about a problem, build a prototype, test your results, and share your ideas or inventions with others (not necessarily in that order). Hop into the process at any point and see what you can do!

A new main challenge will be presented in Inventor Center every four to five months, and it’s up to you to solve it. Here’s today’s challenge:

Powering Mars

Sept. 20–May 4

Develop a system using solar and wind energy to light up a city on a Martian landscape, even when the sun is blocked by dust storms! We need a team to use solar panels and a wind turbine to generate enough electricity to light up a city on Mars. Measure the volts, connect the wires, and forces of motion will cause energy transformation. 

Inventor Center Hours

Free with regular Museum admission . To reserve your organized group, call 585.697.1942.

Academic Year Hours: 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays; 2–4:30 p.m. on Monday–Friday
Summer Hours: 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. on Monday–Sunday

Click here for regular and holiday Museum hours. Check back with us for updates.

Our Inventor Center is recommended for families with children ages 7 and older.