Mid America Science Museum

Most Powerful Conical Tesla Coil on Earth!

See, hear, and smell the power of lightning up close. The presentation includes a demonstration of the "Tesla Coil" and a talk on the many inventions of Nikola Tesla (Father of Electricity) and the importance of Tesla to our way of life. Tesla invented the AC electric generator, AC motor, radio, turbine and over 250 other life-changing and
enriching inventions, including the Tesla Coil which can raise normal household current to millions of volts of electricity. Our demonstration Tesla Coil produces

1,500,000 volts of electricity. The Tesla Coil is enclosed in a massive 2-1/2 ton steel Faraday cage which protects the visitor from the "lightning" (corona discharges) and from high frequency emissions which could disrupt communications in the area around the museum.

This "Caged Lightning" Tesla Coil exhibit is a replica of the conical coil at the world famous Griffith Observatory in the Hollywood Hills of Southern California. Since the initial operation in 1937, over 25 million visitors have marveled at the unusual and exciting display of lightning-like (corona) discharges.

Watch the 30 minute "Sermon From Science" Electrifying Educational video program for a brief overview of Tesla Coil evolution at Mid-America Science Museum and of the many Nikola Tesla's contributions to science and technology. The book and companion video - "Tesla: Master of Lightning" along with a Tesla T-shirt may be purchased in the museum's gift shop. A free informative and attractive color brochure "Caged Lighting - Tesla Coil" is available at the exhibit.

Richard and Mary Ellen Mathias conceived, promoted and provided major funding for the Tesla Coil exhibit. General Electric's employees and many others provided additional funding. The massive 2-1/2 ton Faraday cage was designed by Niles Ellis - MASM's Director of Exhibits and constructed by two volunteer machinists, Ken Ewing and Gil Frahm.