Since opening in 2012, the Perot Museum has welcomed more than 5.5 million minds in its mission to inspire curiosity in the leaders of tomorrow

Since opening in 2012, the Perot Museum has welcomed and inspired more than 5.5 million minds, engaged 90,000 North Texans through off-site community outreach, served 1.2 million students through field trips and school education programs, awarded $2 million in financial aid, welcomed 50,000 through the Community Partners ticket offer and has been the grateful recipient of more than 250,000 service hours from a dedicated team of volunteers.

And there’s plenty for guests to get excited about during this celebratory month, from more activities during the winter break, to a fascinating space exhibition, new 3D films and one seriously big chunk of gold.

Taking center stage is Journey to Space, a highly interactive NASA-supported exhibition where visitors can explore the very real dangers that astronauts face in the extraordinary environment of space. Also bringing gusto is the Ausrox gold nugget, considered the world’s third largest in existence at more than 50 pounds.

Pair that with stunning 3D films, a Winter Wonderland Sleepover, Discovery Days, Discovery Camps and extended hours, and the Perot Museum is a must-see, must-do spot that should be atop every holiday list.

“This holiday season marks a milestone for us as the Perot Museum turns five,” said Dr. Linda Abraham-Silver, the Eugene McDermott Chief Executive Officer of the Perot Museum. “Whether you have spent time here during past holidays or are bringing out-of-town guests to explore for the first time, we know visitors are in for a true treat this season. We look forward to creating memories and inspiring minds of all ages.”

Here are five ways the Perot Museum is celebrating this holiday season: 

1. PEROT MUSEUM’S 5TH BIRTHDAY. Happy birthday, Perot Museum! To celebrate the milestone and thank the community for its continuing support, guests can take advantage of gourmet hot chocolate bar (Dec. 9, $3/cup) in the Lobby from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., cookie decorating (Dec. 16, $1/cookie), and 3D chocolate printing (Dec. 23 and 30, $3/chocolate bar.) High five!

2. SEASON OF SCIENCE. This year’s holiday offerings include an extra helping of special activities and programs, an all-about-space Discovery Days, a “winter wonderland” sleepover, Discovery Camps and extended hours to enjoy it all. Each visit to the Perot Museum is like a snowflake – no two are identical! Below are details on the season of science fun: 

PROGRAMS. While schools close their doors for the holidays, the Perot Museum breaks out the brain-boosting experiences – with even more activities planned this year. At select times during the winter break Dec. 23-Jan. 7 (except for Dec. 25), guests of all ages can dabble with dry ice bubbles, blubber gloves, arctic slime, snowball launchers, human circuits, zoetropes, kaliedocycles, space stories on the Plaza, polar dinos and more. Plus, little ones ages 5 and under can get crafty making melted snowmen and snowflakes, sorting winter objects, and with water play at the Candy Cane Art Lab (daily until 3 p.m.). Activities are free with general admission. Visit perotmuseum.org/seasonofscience for daily schedules. Note: The Museum will be closed Christmas (Dec. 25). Please check below for additional holiday hours.

Drop ‘em off! From Dec. 26-30, Discovery Camp: LEGO® Engineering will immerse pre-K through 6th graders into the world of machines, mechanics and robotics with hands-on STEM-centered activities that foster fun and engagement. Visit perotmuseum.org/camps for registration and additional details.

FAMILY-FUN EVENTS. On Jan. 6, a whimsical Winter Wonderland Sleepover will offer exciting animals, science experiments, a screening of Disney’s Frozen, a Fire & Ice show, a dance party plus a winter wonderland-themed photo to take home. Discovery Days are free to members and included with general admission for non-members. The Winter Wonderland Sleepover for kids ages 6-14 and their adult chaperones is $50 per youth and $40 per adult chaperone. 

3. JOURNEY TO SPACE (through May 6, 2018). 3…2…1… Blast off! What’s it like to live and work in space? How do astronauts sleep in a weightless environment, go to the bathroom in orbit, and what effect does space travel have on their bodies? Presented in English and Spanish, Journey to Space is a hands-on adventure for all ages that takes guests as close to space as one can get from Earth. At 10,000 square feet, Journey to Space features two “climb-aboard” massive rotating labs that provide a glimpse of what it looks and feels like to be on the International Space Station Destiny module. Visitors can launch a rocket, test gravity in a drop tower, control a robotic arm, check out Neil Armstrong’s authentic gloves from his Apollo 11 mission, and more. Plus, young cadets will have a blast at the space station activity area and construction center. The exhibition is presented locally by Highland Capital Management and requires a surcharge. 

4. FILMS IN THE HOGLUND FOUNDATION THEATER, A NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPERIENCE. Extreme weather, space missions and aerial excursions! The Perot Museum’s holiday film lineup includes Journey to Space 3D (through May 6, 2018), Hurricane 3D (through May 24, 2018), and Living in the Age of Airplanes (Nov. 24, 2017-Feb. 16, 2018). To view film trailers and schedule, go to perotmuseum.org. Films are presented locally by Primrose Schools. Ticket prices below. 

5. GROOVY GIFTS. From unique science-themed toys, kids’ space garb, jewelry and space gadgets to the ever-popular ugly holiday shirts and sweaters, cool and quirky gifts for all ages are in store at the Museum Shop and Journey to Space gift shop. Discerning shoppers can check out all the great finds at store.perotmuseum.org.  

Memberships make memorable gifts. It’s the gift that keeps on giving … all year! From individual memberships to entire households, the Perot Museum has a variety of options that fit all sizes. Benefits include free general Museum admission for the membership year, extended hours, and discounts to ticketed exhibitions, lectures, programs, special events, parking and purchases in the Museum Shop and Café. Household-level members receive additional perks dependent on level, such as general admission guest passes and access to Kids Club. Plus, Perot Museum members receive 15% off the purchase of gift memberships. Family-level memberships start at $119. For details, call 214-756-5751 or go to perotmuseum.org/membership. 

HOURS. General hours of operation for the Perot Museum are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.

Holiday and other special hours. The Perot Museum will close Dec. 25 (Christmas). The Museum will offer extended hours until 6 p.m. Dec. 26-Jan. 2, except for Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve) when the Museum will close at 3 p.m. and Dec. 31 (New Year’s Eve) when the Museum will close at 5 p.m.

Member-only mornings. From 9-10 a.m. every Saturday and 10-11 a.m. every Sunday, members can enjoy exclusive access to the Perot Museum, plus member-only access to the Moody Family Children’s Museum on Mondays from 10 a.m.-noon. Members can also take advantage of holiday member-only mornings Dec. 26-Jan. 2.

Highland Capital Management is the 2017-2018 Premier Partner of the Perot Museum.

TICKETS. Museum general admission is $20 for adults (18-64), $13 for youth (2-17) and $14 for seniors (65+). Museum general admission is free for members. Children under 2 are always free. For a limited time, reserve your general admission tickets online and save $2 per person. For groups of 10 or more, call for special rates at 214-428-5555 ext. 8. All prices are subject to change.

The Perot Museum is located at 2201 N. Field Street in Dallas, Texas. For more information, visit perotmuseum.org or call 214-428-5555.