1 / 6





Location
Parking
Visitor parking information available on website
Best time
Visit on a Saturday morning right when the museum opens to enjoy a low-key experience with fewer crowds and more time to appreciate the thorough exhibits without feeling rushed.
Visitor tip
Don't miss the live demonstrations of the four belt-driven machines—these operating exhibits are a true highlight that bring the Industrial Revolution to life and showcase machinery that still functions after decades.
About Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation
Hands-on exhibits on famous inventions. Riverside museum in an 1814 building offering interactive exhibits on famed inventions plus events.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Museum of Industry & Innovation
- Location
- Waltham, MA
- Hours
- Wed-Fri 10am-3pm, Sat 10am-2:30pm
- Focus
- Industrial history, manufacturing, innovation, textile industry
- Special Programs
- Repair Cafe, Mill Talk series, gallery tours
What visitors say
Fun visiting the museum and checking out the exhibits. But also- Amazing venue for private events, out wedding reception guests were blown away. The staff is exceptional and accommodating, and the spaces were so versatile. For sure a…
This local museum is tucked away in the Francis Cabot Lowell Mill next to Waltham Common and the Charles River (as its name suggests) and is a fascinating museum. Not only does it feature the history of the textile mills of Waltham, but…
I went here and on a Saturday right when they opened. There weren’t too many people there and it was very low key. Was pleasantly surprised by how thorough all the exhibits were and how the museum was laid out. I learned a lot about the…
From 323 Google reviews
Did You Know?
- Located in the Francis Cabot Lowell Mill, an 1814 building that is historically significant as it housed one of America's first integrated textile mills
- Features exhibits on 150 years of telephone history and Bell Labs innovation, connecting Waltham's industrial heritage to telecommunications development
- Houses a collection of Waltham Watches and related items, connecting to the city's historic moniker as 'Watch City'
More Family Fun Nearby
Other venues within driving distance:
Own this venue? Stand out from the competition.
Children's Museums listings that are Featured get seen first by thousands of families every month.
- Priority placement in search
- Photo gallery showcase
- Insider tips from visitors
- Highlighted in dedicated featured section





