“Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions.” — Albert Einstein
For Greg Viggiano, Executive Director of the Museum of Science Fiction (MOSF), imagination is more than inspiration — it’s the foundation for preparing today’s children to become tomorrow’s innovators.
As the demand for strong STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) continues to grow, the Museum of Science Fiction aims to bridge creativity and critical thinking by using science fiction as a gateway to learning. Though still in its early stages, MOSF is actively working toward securing a permanent physical home for its immersive, educational programs.
The Mission of the Museum of Science Fiction
The Museum of Science Fiction was created to serve as a center where art and science are powered by imagination. At its core, science fiction tells the story of humanity — who we were, who we are, and who we hope to become.
Through interactive exhibits, hands-on programming, and engaging displays, the museum plans to excite, educate, and entertain visitors while inspiring a new generation of thinkers, creators, and problem-solvers.
Imagining the Future Through Interactive Exhibits
MOSF envisions a museum experience unlike any other. Visitors might one day pilot a starfighter through an asteroid field, explore alien ecosystems on distant planets, or examine iconic science fiction technologies that challenge them to design their own futuristic tools.
These imaginative exhibits are designed to spark curiosity and encourage children to see science fiction not as fantasy, but as a catalyst for innovation and discovery.
A Growing Team with a Big Vision
Founded in 2013, the Museum of Science Fiction began with just 38 volunteers committed to turning an ambitious idea into reality. Today, the organization includes more than 120 team members with professional experience spanning NASA, engineering, education, and Hollywood.
While science fiction exhibits have appeared in museums before, MOSF is working toward becoming the world’s first fully curated science fiction museum, covering the genre’s history across art, literature, film, and technology — and its influence on the real world.
Seven Planned Galleries Exploring Science Fiction and Society
The museum’s long-term goal is to house seven permanent galleries, each focused on a different dimension of science fiction and its relationship to human creativity and innovation.
These galleries will include:
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The Creators, spotlighting the writers, artists, and storytellers who first asked “What if?”
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Other Worlds, exploring imagined planets and civilizations
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Vehicles, featuring futuristic transportation and spacecraft
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Time Travel, examining alternate timelines and realities
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Aliens, Creatures, and Altered Life, highlighting speculative biology
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Computers and Robots, focusing on artificial intelligence and automation
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Technology, exploring the intersection of science fiction and advanced innovation
Together, these spaces aim to encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and imaginative exploration.
STEAM Education at the Heart of the Museum
Educational development is central to the Museum of Science Fiction’s mission. By engaging children’s imaginations, MOSF encourages them to explore careers and interests in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics.
The museum’s educational goal is to use science fiction as a tool to inspire learning, problem-solving, and creativity — making complex STEAM concepts accessible and exciting for students of all ages.
Working with Schools and Educators
MOSF currently partners with DC Public Schools through a pilot program that brings industry professionals into classrooms. Experts like NASA Goddard’s Dr. C. Alex Young lead project-based learning activities that challenge students to think critically and reconsider the boundaries between science fiction and real-world science.
Over the next five years, the museum plans to expand these efforts by developing:
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additional project-based learning programs
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an online resource center for students and educators
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scholarships and grants
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STEAM competitions and contests
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highly interactive educational exhibitions
Escape Velocity: Learning Through Play and Exploration
Since 2016, the Museum of Science Fiction has hosted Escape Velocity, an interactive convention designed to promote STEAM education through science fiction. Part educational program and part fan experience, Escape Velocity offers workshops, panels, and hands-on learning for both kids and adults.
The most recent Escape Velocity event, held at the Gaylord National, featured more than 300 hours of programming, including coding workshops, virtual reality demos, writing and film sessions, tabletop gaming, and movie screenings.
What’s Next for the Museum of Science Fiction
The next major milestone for MOSF is the development of a Preview Museum in Northern Virginia. This modular, portable space will allow the team to test exhibit ideas, gather visitor feedback, and refine the museum experience before opening a full-scale permanent location.
The Preview Museum is expected to tour other U.S. cities while building awareness and excitement ahead of the planned Washington, D.C. location, which is projected to open within the next 24–36 months.
Learn More and Get Involved
Families interested in STEAM education, imaginative learning, or supporting the Museum of Science Fiction can learn more about the museum and its programs, including Escape Velocity, by visiting museumofsciencefiction.org.
By blending imagination, storytelling, and hands-on learning, the Museum of Science Fiction is helping shape the next generation of thinkers — one “What if?” at a time.
