Read our frequently asked questions to make the most out of your visit.
Q: What is CSI: The Experience ? CSI: The Experience is a museum exhibit providing visitors with a hands-on, exploratory, multi-sensory experience in the world of crime scene investigation. It is designed to educate the public about forensic processes, procedures and technologies. At the exhibit, visitors will investigate a “real” crime scene and interact via video with favorite characters from the hit television show as well as real-life forensic experts.
Q: What is the purpose of the exhibit?
• To advance critical thinking skills through forensic investigation, scientific inquiry, and technology.
• To promote public awareness of modern advances in forensic science.
Click here to read our complete list of educational goals.
Q: Do you provide accompanying educational materials for this exhibit?
Yes, additional educational materials (Family Guide and Educator's Resource Guide) may be downloaded here.
Q: Who should attend CSI: The Experience ?
Anyone interested in learning about investigative forensic science. Adults of all ages and children age 12 and over will find the material fascinating and informative.
Q: Is this exhibit appropriate for children?
This exhibit is most effective for visitors from age 12 to adult. Parents, guardians, and educators should view the interactive preview and exercise judgment to determine whether the exhibit is right for your individual children or students. The preview includes facts to help you make a well-informed decision about the appropriateness for younger audiences.
Q: I’ve seen all the CSI television shows. Are the exhibit scenes and video footage unique to the demonstration?
Yes, our exhibit features never-before-seen footage of your favorite CSI characters as well as footage from real-life crime scene investigators and forensic analysts. By combining the show’s education and entertainment with real-life expert teaching, we provide an engaging format for learning the processes of investigative forensic technology.
Q: Can I learn just as much from the television show?
While the television show explains many forensic concepts, the exhibit gives you the experience of entering a crime scene and determining the clues for yourself. More brain processes are involved as you employ inductive reasoning, deductive logic, and trial and error to solve the mysteries and crack the case.
Q: What will visitors do as they walk through the exhibit?
Upon entering, you will be briefed via video and then directed to one of three staged crime scenes. Once on the scene, you will use your investigator’s notebook to examine the evidence and determine what you believe to be the important clues. After you complete your crime scene investigation, you will compare your clues with those of a real crime scene investigators and determine which clues need further analysis.
Then, you will proceed to the labs to investigate your findings. You will also visit the medical examiner for your autopsy report and note the important medical evidence. CSI characters and real-life experts are “working” via video in our virtual labs to explain tire track comparison, blood spatter analysis, firearms technology comparison, and much more; use the data they provide to help you examine your specific crime scene clues in the lab. You may be asked to compare tire tracks, pollen fibers, DNA, or shell casings. Finally, you will submit your report and conclusions at the end of your investigation and learn whether you have correctly solved the case.
Q: What are the differences between the three crime scenes?
Each crime scene is a different scenario with a separate story line and unique clues, but they are all equally engaging and challenging to solve. Each mystery involves a visit to the medical examiner and various crime labs. Your group will be assigned one of the three scenes when you arrive at the exhibit.
Q: Can I choose the scene I want?
If the crowd patterns are light enough, most venues will be able to accommodate requests.
Q: Is there an audio tour? CSI: The Experience is unlike most typical museum tours. The multimedia is an integral part of the exhibit and will be used by each participant as they proceed through the learning environment. You will access the media at each station, rather than carry a guided museum audio commentary with you.
Q: How long can I stay inside the exhibit?
Once you enter the exhibit, you may investigate as long as you wish. Average time in each crime scene is approximately 10 minutes; Most guest spend 50 minutes to 1 hour in the exhibit overall.
Q: Can I take my own pictures in the exhibit?
Yes, photography and video cameras are allowed in the gallery. Except at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and at the Discovery Times Square in New York, in these locations photography and video cameras are not allowed.
Q: Are food and drinks permitted in the exhibit?
Food and drinks must be consumed or disposed of prior to exhibit entry.
