The dead bodies may be long gone, but the Museum of Science proved last night it can still attract the college set.
The riverfront museum welcomed nearly 3,500 students back to Boston for its 11th annual College Night with free admission to its many exhibits.
Museum officials said they hoped to lure students who would not otherwise make the trip.
“It really is a good chance to offer new or returning students to come look at the exhibits for free,” said museum spokesman Michael Morrison.
Morrison said though attendance was down from last year, due largely to the absence of the popular Body Worlds, a traveling exhibit featuring preserved human bodies in contorted poses, he is optimistic for the event’s future.
“Next year we expect even more people,” he said. “Every year more people hear about it and take their friends.”
In addition to its usual exhibits and demonstrations, the museum presented various internship and volunteer opportunities for attendees, which Morrison said would benefit students interested in science.
“The internship is a great opportunity to get hands-on experience in a specific branch of learning,” he said.
The six-hour event included free admission to two 3-D films, a trip with Boston Duck Tours and a laser show, as well as a candid discussion and book signing by Amber Madison — author of Hooking-Up: A Girl’s All Out Guide to Sex and Sexuality — who offered advice to the female audience.
“I wanted to cover a lot of important information college students need to know but can’t get anywhere else,” Madison said. “It’s important to understand that you should only hook up in situations when you know you’ll feel good about it the next day.”
Students said they appreciated Madison’s candor and wit.
“[Madison’s] presentation was really interesting and funny,” said Amanda Grinavich, a College of General Studies sophomore. “It was an un-awkward way to approach stuff like sex and hooking up.”
Though Grinavich said she enjoyed this year’s event, she said last year’s had a greater appeal for college students.
“Last year it was better because of Body Worlds, but it was still cool,” she said. “A lot of the exhibits seemed to be geared toward a younger audience, though.”
Museum staffers said year after year, they are still convinced exhibits that appeal to the senses are the most popular among students.
“Everyone loves the more interactive exhibits best,” said David Jackson, a volunteer at the Human Body Connection exhibition, who watched as students poked and prodded a preserved lamb’s heart.
Raffles, prizes from local restaurants and stores like the Barnes ‘ Noble at Boston University and live presentations ranging from experiments with electricity to animal demonstrations contributed to a festival-like atmosphere.
“Giving away free stuff is always a good way to draw college students in,” said College of Arts and Sciences sophomore Katie Fargnoli.