Open House

It's GAME ON for hands-on science fun at MagLab Open House on Saturday, February 25, 2023!

Open House Image Gallery

Credit: National MagLab

MagLab Open House 2023

When: Saturday, February 25, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m.

Where: National MagLab Headquarters Location - 1800 E. Paul Dirac Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32310 - View Map

Admission: FREE!

MagLab Open House is a free, annual event where the public is invited to explore the world’s largest & highest-powered magnet lab, engage with nearly 100 hands-on demonstrations & activities, and meet magnet science experts.

All of your favorite classic MagLab Open House demonstrations will be back, including the Quarter Shrinker, Potato Launcher, Cryo Flowers, and Einstein's Ice Cream. This year will also feature one-of-a-kind game-themed experiences including cranium brain games, magnet skee ball, an exploration of the pixels powering your cell phone games, MagLab CandyLand and a special hosted Game Show at the foot of the 45 T magnet.

Community Partners

More amazing hands-on science fun will be provided by amazing science organizations from across the area, including Gulf Specimen Marine Lab, St. Marks Wildlife Refuge, Challenger Learning Center, Tallahassee Astronomical Society, Tall Timbers, Sea-to-See, WFSU Education, Southeast Archeological Center, FSU Coastal & Marine Lab, MoLab, Cornerstone Learning Community, SAIL High School, The Magnolia School, LeMoyne Arts, and more.

Food Trucks

A day of exploring the MagLab and playing with hands-on science activities will surely work up an appetite! Visit one of our delicious on-site food vendors, including Street Chefs, Mr. JB's BBQ, Smackin' Good Wings, Fired Up Pizza, Sandy's Sandwiches, Mom & Dads Italian Restaurant, Kettle Korn Poppery, and Kona Ice. YUM!

Virtual Open House

Can't make it to the live event? Explore our more than 20 free virtual events, video demonstrations of your favorite flagship demos, behind the scenes, all-access video tours and a half-dozen web-based games for visitors of all ages here anytime you'd like to bring MagLab Open House right to your house!

Videos: Behind the Scenes - All Access

Explore the MagLab like never before with these 360 degree videos featuring spaces usually only accessible to the experts.

The MagLab Plant in 360 degrees

Click and drag to look around the plant in 360 degrees to see our chillers, cooling pumps, water treatment devices, helium and air compressors, an electrical switchgear, heat exchangers and other special equipment needed to support the world's most powerful magnets.

Length: 3:01

Helium Recycling in 360 degrees

Drag your screen around to see 360 degrees of the MagLab's equipment to capture, purify, and reliquefy helium.

Length: 1:09

See the behind the scenes playlist

Virtual Demos

See eye-popping demonstrations in action and learn the science behind them.

Shrinking Quarter Machine

A MagLab physicist and engineer pair up to demonstrate the lab's famous Quarter Shrinking Machine, a loud, stinky illustration of electrodynamics, circuits, Lenz’s Law and Lorenz forces.

Length: 7:56

Potato Launcher

An up-close view of a favorite Open House demo, carbo-loaded with information on how the pneumatic potato launcher works.

Length: 1:58

Junkyard Magnet

Watch a junkyard magnet squash water jugs and melons using the power of electromagnets.

Length: 2:40

See the virtual demo playlist

Recorded live sessions

Virtual Field Trip

Length: 1:07:00

The Story of Attraction

Length: 50:05

Scientist Speed Session with Dr. Matt Eddy

Length: 45:30

Kitchen Chemistry

Length: 59:22

See the recorded live session playlist

Games & Interactive

Reveal Veggie MRI

Can you guess the food by looking at an image taken in our world's most powerful MRI magnet?

Attack of the Acronyms

Acronyms (and their less cohesive cousin, initialisms) are one of scientists’ favorite communication tools. But their use — or overuse — can torpedo the chances of readers actually comprehending what is written.

More Games & Interactive

Last modified on 27 January 2023