The University of Montana spectrUM Discovery Area is Missoula’s hands-on science museum dedicated to igniting passion for discovery through science. Founded in 2007, spectrUM engages over 200,000 people annually through museum public hours, camps, field trips, and a robust outreach program serving rural and tribal Montana. spectrUM is a
department of the University of Montana overseen by the Office of Research and Creative Scholarship. Additionally, spectrUM is guided by three cultural advisory groups based out of Missoula, the Bitterroot Valley, and the Flathead Reservation.
Mission: Ignite passion for discovery through science.
Vision: A future where everyone has the opportunity to experience joy in science.
Values:
Science is creative.
Science is a process.
Science is collaborative.
Science is for everyone.
In May 2021, spectrUM relocated its museum into a new, large nonprofit complex that includes 5 other partner organizations. These organizations are co-located in the Missoula Public Library, providing space and opportunity for cross-organizational programming and collaborations. spectrUM offers free admission for all and has a permanent water room exhibit, as well as a space that features a rotation of hands-on
STEAM exhibits. Since 2017, spectrUM has also collaborated with the Missoula Food Bank & Community Center and Missoula Public Library to operate EmPower Place, a family learning center embedded in the food bank. EmPower Place is one part science museum, one part library, and one part meal site serving local families facing food insecurity. spectrUM was awarded a 2019 Roy L. Shafer Leading Edge Award from the Association of Science and Technology Centers for our work in developing EmPower Place.
