Discovery Place

Join Our Team: Help Inspire Wonder & Discovery! ? At our nonprofit Discovery Place Museums, we believe in the power of science, nature, and play to spark curiosity and lifelong learning. With a science museum, two vibrant children’s museums, and a world-class nature museum opening next year, we are dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences for our communities. ? Now, we’re looking for passionate fundraising professionals to help us grow our impact! If you thrive on building relationships, securing support for meaningful causes, and making a difference, we’d love to connect! Major Gifts Officer https://lnkd.in/e8Qb6pty ? Foundations and Institutional Gifts Officer https://lnkd.in/eJWW9bR5 ? Advancement Administrative Associate https://lnkd.in/eVX-ngvv

Construction of the new Charlotte Museum of Nature continues to make remarkable progress! The final building slabs have been successfully poured, establishing a solid foundation for the exciting developments ahead. The interior framing has begun, transforming the structural shell into distinct spaces that will soon house our exhibits and interactive displays. This phase brings us one step closer to our goal of creating an inspiring environment for exploration and learning. Next is continued work on new habitat areas, including the frog bog and otter habitats, as well as the framing of the Animal Care Center, including the dormitories, kitchen and veterinary office—everything the animal residents will need to live their happiest, healthiest lives in their new home. Together, we are building a space where nature and science come alive for future generations. Learn how you can get involved at https://lnkd.in/eSUW5W4Y

At Discovery Place, integrity guides us and we believe that honesty and openness are key to building trust and fostering partnerships. We are honored to be recognized for our organization’s dedication to transparency with a 2025 Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid – a prestigious honor that is awarded to fewer than 1% of U.S. nonprofits. Receiving this honor means that Discovery Place, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, shares clear and important information with the public about our goals, strategies, achievements and measurable impact. This recognition is a testament to the hard work of our dedicated team and our commitment to be transparent and accountable to our donors and the community.

Discovery Place and Town of Matthews are thrilled to announce plans to bring a new Discovery Place Kids museum to the Matthews community! This future children’s museum will be a vibrant space for young learners to explore, imagine, create and grow. “This museum will be a hub of imagination, creativity and hands-on learning, designed to inspire young minds and bring families together,” said Catherine Horne, Discovery Place President and CEO. “More than just a destination, it will be a valuable community resource where children can explore science in a fun and engaging way." "Discovery Place Kids-Matthews will be built with the community, for the community,” said Dr. Nikole (Nikki) L. Hill, Chief Learning Officer at Discovery Place. “From interactive exhibits to dynamic STEM programs, every aspect of the museum will reflect the voices and needs of Matthews families. This spring, we’re excited to launch a series of community input sessions to hear directly from residents and shape a museum experience that truly belongs to Matthews." We are thrilled to partner with the Town of Matthews to bring Discovery Place Kids to this vibrant community!

As a leading science museum in the country, Discovery Place Science is excited to amplify conversations around biodiversity and environmental stewardship through our reimagined Living Planet Lab, opening Saturday, February 22. This scientific lab explores Earth's biodiversity and the importance of sustainability through hands-on exhibits that reveal nature’s resilience, from jellyfish propagation to the vital role of coral reefs. Visitors can meet fascinating creatures, experience a touch tank and discover how we can all take sustainable action to protect our planet.

To kick off National Engineers Week, Discovery Place Science partnered with UNC Charlotte College of Engineering to host Discover Engineering Day. UNC Charlotte faculty and students led hands-on workshops throughout the Museum and demonstrated how engineers make a difference in our world, from driving technological advancements to addressing global challenges.

In the heart of Freedom Park on the site of the original Discovery Place Nature, a new world-class nature museum for the Charlotte community is under construction. Today, Discovery Place is proud to announce the next chapter in its more than 77-year legacy with the unveiling of a new name for this reimagined museum: Charlotte Museum of Nature. Expected to open in 2026, Charlotte Museum of Nature will join the Discovery Place nonprofit family of museums and will redefine nature exploration and education in the Carolinas. Learn how to get involved charlottenature.org.

Did you know that Discovery Place is a nonprofit organization??We partner with Davidson-Davie Community College to provide internships to their Zoo & Aquarium Science students, many who commute an hour or more to our facilities. Help us provide internship stipends by making a donation today. https://lnkd.in/eVtf6CQr

????? Yesterday, we celebrated a big milestone in the development of our new Nature Museum: The Topping Out Ceremony! Discovery Place Board of Trustees members, local officials and construction workers signed a beam that was then installed at the top of the structure's framework, representing the conclusion of the structural framework for the Museum. Construction has moved steadily along on the new world-class nature haven in the heart of Freedom Park. The Museum is anticipated to open in 2026. “We are thrilled to mark this important milestone in the construction of a new Nature Museum for our community and the Carolinas,” said Catherine Wilson Horne, Discovery Place President and CEO. “Together with our partners in Mecklenburg County, Rodgers Builders, Liollio Architecture, Hood Design Studio and more, we look forward to seeing this nature destination that will offer hands-on learning for generations to come.”

If we're being honest, there's some pretty ???????? science behind our Cool Stuff exhibit! Do you love our Air Chair, pulleys, the hydraulic push contest and more? Give family time together with a Discovery Place gift card, membership or donate on Giving Tuesday (December 3rd)! Get a gift card or membership ?? https://lnkd.in/etuDQ-ww Give here ?? https://lnkd.in/eg-mYbFA