The Future is Behind This Wall!

But what? More than just a theater, a program space, or a community space. It’s a 10,000 square foot window to the world, and to each other. It’s the Public Science Common.  

Hold your phone up, camera facing the wall, and click “Start Experience” for a preview of this amazing future (and a few friends who are excited to share it with you).  

Image
The Public Science Common being used for a Robotics competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Having trouble? Please see the following to help troubleshoot the issue.

How do I start the experience?

To start the experience point at one of the two images (include pictures here) when prompted. It's recommended to look at the image closest to your side initially as the app will set that as your main anchor, make sure to try to get the whole panel in your camera view.

How can I share some photos of the experience?

The button in the bottom middle of the screen will take a photo of the experience which can then be shared across various social media.

Why does the experience need access to my camera?

The experience uses Augmented Reality to overlay digital content into the real world. This process uses the information from the camera in your device.

What browsers does the experience support?

This experience is supported in Chrome, Firefox & Safari. Other browsers may have issues or not function.

While the app is loading should I look at the wall?

You don't need to look at the wall while the app is loading, looking away may help the initial load speed.

The experience is lagging/ running very slowly?

Close any other apps that are running and turn off battery saver mode if it's turned on and ensure the device has over 20% battery, make sure to use one of the three supported browsers. If the app is still running slow your device may not be optimized for this experience.

The experience looks distorted / on a weird angle?

Look at the panel you used to start the app initially, if it isn't working try looking away and then back at the panel to resync to the trigger.

Everything appears to be gray?

This can happen if you are using an unsupported browser or if your device is not supported. Check that you are using the compatible setup.

Want to Learn More?

We’re renovating and reinventing 10,000 square feet of the Museum’s signature Blue Wing to create: 

  • The new Public Science Common, a state-of-the-art convening space that will expand accessibility and passion for science
  • A reimagined live animal exhibition
  • New bathrooms on all three floors
  • New elevators
  • Fully accessible visitor amenities 


All opening Fall 2026

Image
The new Public Science Common as seen from the Charles River.

Ready to see the future?