the works museum

This is a wonderful experience to learn about glass making, Erie Canal history, Licking and Ohio transportation system history, sounds, light, food, electronics, magnetism, driving simulators, building race cars and racing against other who are building theirs, and our grand children LOVE to go when they visit. Up stairs (has an elevator) do not miss the old machine shop demonstration and old village, mastodon bones, train and canal history movies. Across the street is a wood working shop where they demonstrate making wooden objects and next to that is an old lock with a nice painting on the outside wall showing a boat passing through.

This is not a big museum but I like it as a part of a tour of downtown Newark. There is a cafe there, glass blowing, a fun area for kids and a lot of historical artifacts of the area for history buffs. Don't forget to walk into the courtyard and around the building to see the murals, the restored old building facade and the canal park. from the back of the museum (parking lot) see the murals on the buildings nearby and the old Jail building. Walk into the downtown area and enjoy the historic buildings and the courthouse square. Plenty to see and do.

The Works is an EXCEPTIONAL organization and the Staff is tremendous. This is one of the best museums in the world. Their STEM focus (Science Technology Education and Mathematics) is superior. I have taken many young and old to The Works and each has found it fascinating. Thank you Marcia and your fine Works Team for the excellent programing.

Wonderful learning about science for children and history of the area. A nice eating place then you can sit outside to enjoy the courtyard. You can see the old locks and learn about glass blowing. A fun day for all.

I picked WORKS from the list of things to do for a day trip to Newark. I did not do a lot of research, but I checked the site and figured it was Licking County's version of Columbus' COSI (Center of Science and Industry).Located in downtown Newark, the two-story building was easy to find. Parking was free and Admission was just $14 for one adult and one senior.When we first entered, we were both surprised and dismayed by the huge amount of hands-on exhibits. Being we were both semi-retired, the entire first floor was directed at 5-10 year old children. If you have children, this is A PERFECT place for you. If not, it's still a worthwhile day trip - especially if you like the old COSI in Columbus that sat on East Broad Street.We watched the glass blowing demonstration, which lasted about 25 minutes and featured the artisan making a two-toned glass urn. There were, of course, about 50 children and the noise was a little overwhelming (and this didn't seem to be a busy day). I didn't mind it, but my partner absolutely did, so be aware of that.However, the upper floor was dedicated purely to Licking County history, including the mound builders, agricultural, and industrial ages. There was also a portion of the second floor reconstructed as to resemble a late 19th Century street, with replicas of doctor's offices, blacksmiths, and other various period stores.The 2nd floor was a fantastic trip for the adult set, while the 1st floor was strictly for grade school children and/or their parents. Still, it was worth every penny and will probably go again.

We went to our cousins' birthday party there and it was a huge success! Our little one did not want to leave! It was soo cool to have birthday cake on an actual train car! The kids took turns ringing the "all aboard" bell. The big kids got to take apart and rebuild old computers. There was a Tikes area for children under 6. We weighed the (plastic) fruit at the market and did various puzzles. Everone loved creating, racing and refining K'nex cars! We didn't even get to the glass blowing or Science Theater... I will definitely go back! It was well worth the drive!

The Works combines art (in-house exhibition space, glass blowing facilities), science (a kids museum that touches most of the life and physical science disciplines) and history (focussing on that which is unique about Newark, Ohio and the surrounding area) in a single package and, remarkably, delivers on all fronts. I can't recommend this museum highly enough.It works great as a family excursion for those with curious, energetic young kids, and you will probably enjoy returning time and again if that fits your profile. The Works is always on my family's short list of things to do.Membership provides discounts to the museum store and educational programming like summer camps. The Works is a member of the Association of Science - Technology Centers (ASTC) and offers partial and reciprocity with other member institutions. The Works is open from Tuesday through Saturday. From January through March, the museum also is open on Sundays.

This is fantastic for families...the kids are catered to - the information is first class..fed to you so you can absorb and appreciate.

My grandkids go here regularly, lost of classes for kids and lots of hands on activities for kids and adults. They also have lots of evening things for adults where they have glass blowers in to do demonstrations and serve appetizers and drinks. Check out their listings of activities, it is really a great museum for the Newark area.