Mount Washington Museum
Enhance your trip to the summit of Mount Washington with a visit to the Mount Washington Museum!
Exhibits explain Mount Washington's climate and weather, giving insight into the conditions that contribute to its severity. There are also exhibits on the geological history of the Presidential Range, interpreting the effects of the continental ice sheets that scoured the landscape several times over the last million years.
The mountain's unique alpine ecology is displayed in a diverse collection of preserved flora specimens, illustrating the variety of adaptations to the mountain's different habitats. Wildlife is also considered, alongside the effects of man--the most common animal observed on Mount Washington.
The mountain's fascinating human history is explored through archival photographs and artifactual material, showing the many hotels, inns, and other businesses that occupied the summit throughout the years.
MUSEUM HISTORY
The summit museum has its roots in the 1940s, when visitors requested information about the mountain's history. The Observatory opened a small display room, which frequently drew long lines of visitors who willingly waited in frigid conditions in order to gain entry.
In 1973, the Observatory opened the first real Mount Washington Museum, which moved to its present location with the opening of the Mt. Washington State Park Visitor Center in 1981. It has since served hundreds of thousands of visitors.
LOCATION
The Mount Washington Museum is located in the lower level of the Mt. Washington State Park Visitor Center, inside Mt. Washington State Park on the summit of Mount Washington. For directions, please see our Visitor Information page.
HOURS
The museum is open whenever the Mt. Washington State Park Visitor Center is open. Based upon weather, the typical operating season is mid-May to mid-October, from 9 AM to 6 PM. For current information, please visit the Mt. Washington State Park web page.
ADMISSION
Museum admission is free for Observatory members and patrons of the Mt. Washington Auto Road and Mt. Washington Cog Railway. For all others, adult admission is $3.00, children are $1.00, and children under the age of 6 are free.
Support for Mount Washington Observatory Outreach Education is provided in part by:
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EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH
- Distance Learning
- Classroom Programs
- Lectures for the General Public
- Professional Development
- Weather Discovery Center
- Workshops
- Winter Summit Overnight Trips
- Winter Summit Day Trips
- Summer Summit Overnight Trips
CONTACT
Michelle Cruz, Director of Education
(800) 706-0432, ext. 225
Email
OUR PARTNERS
