Sitting atop a hill overlooking beautiful Lake Calhoun is one of the more interesting museums in the country: The Bakken. Its guiding theme is electric—literally. This family friendly museum features exhibits about the wonders of magnetism and electricity. Founded in 1975 by Earl E. Bakken, founder of the first wearable battery-powered, transistorized cardiac pacemaker, the Bakken museum celebrates the history of science and its potential for social good with its collection of unique artifacts, world-renown books, and multiple galleries.
But families familiar with this true one-of-a-kind museum will know about the quirky exhibits. These include Frankenstein’s Laboratory, which offers a peak into the creepy experiments of Mary Shelley’s mad scientist and monster. Or check out the Spark of Life, which teaches children about the history of electrical science with hands-on displays: Crank up a 60,000 volt static spark with a Wimshurst generator, or play the Theremin, the first electronic musical instrument.
While the museum is a definite draw for families, it is unveiling its new adult friendly program this week called Current Affair. Tomorrow, Tuesday, March 26, the Bakken will open its doors for a happy hour event in a child-free environment. “Tinker Tuesday” is the theme for this first Current Affair event, which features tinkering projects throughout the museum’s workshops and classrooms. Enjoy live music from Beatrix*JAR, meet local “tinkerers” from The Hack Factory, and talk with composer and producer (and McKnight Fellow) Charles Peck. Green Mill Catering will provide a cash bar. The event is free for members, $10 for visitors.
Regular Museum Hours
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Admission
General Admission: $7
Students and Seniors (age 62 or older): $5
Children under 4 and member: Free
3537 Zenith Avenue South, Mpls.
Current Affair
Tinker Tuesday
March 26, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
The Bakken Museum is located at the corner of West Calhoun Parkway and 36th Street on the west shore of Lake Calhoun. Admission to the Current Affair is $10, and free for members of the museum.
As the theme of the event instructs: Relax. Unwind. Get electrified!
