Minneapolis, Minn. (February 23, 2024) – In results published today, The Bakken Museum has been voted into the top ten best science museums across the country. “It is amazing to be on this list with some of the most incredible museums in our field, it is an honor, and a testament to the incredible work of the staff,” says Joe Imholte, Executive Vice President of The Bakken Museum. Located on the western shore of Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis, The Bakken Museum inspires a passion for innovation by exploring the potential for science, technology, and the humanities to make the world a better place. This is the second consecutive year The Bakken Museum has been nominated in this competition, and the first time landing within the top 10 finalists, according to USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice online contest.

The Bakken Museum was founded in 1975 as a non-profit library, museum, and education center. The museum’s exhibitions, many of which were updated in 2020, explore the intersection of science, technology, and the humanities. The Bakken Museum's collection of rare books, antique instruments, and medical devices is one of the finest of its kind in the world. The education programs of The Bakken Museum are renowned for their integration of hands-on learning, history, and the arts and reach communities locally and throughout the state and region. The museum is recognized for its diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion practices.

“The thing that I find the most incredible and am most humbled by is that our visitors and supporters really showed up to vote for us. We were up against incredible museums that have over 100 times the number of visitors we see in a year. We’re so grateful to everyone who supported The Bakken Museum,” said The Bakken Museum’s Executive Vice President Joe Imholte. “We’ve long been called a hidden gem, and we’re eager to become less hidden. We’re excited about how being included in this top ten list will help more people learn about The Bakken Museum.”

Visitors to the museum explore the intersection of science and the humanities. The iconic Frankenstein's Laboratory and accompanying exhibition about author, Mary Shelley, engages visitors through the famous first science fiction novel and the science and ethical considerations included in the story. The museum also offers beautiful outdoor gardens, a Tudor and gothic-style mansion steeped in Minnesota history, and a variety of adult and family events.

About The Bakken Museum  

The Bakken Museum inspires a passion for innovation by exploring the potential of science, technology, and the humanities to make the world a better place. Located on the West shore of Bde Maka Ska, the museum features interactive exhibits for all ages, a world-renowned collection of artifacts, and exceptional STEM education programs. For more information, visit thebakken.org. Find @thebakkenmusem on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. 

PRESS CONTACT:
Joe Imholte 
Executive Vice President 
imholte@thebakken.org | 612-446-3108