Renovation Update -- Changes to the exhibition halls

July 10, 2009

Today we introduced a new temporary exhibition hall layout to the Museum. Level 1 (including the aquarium and rainforest) remain closed to the public. Half of the Level 2 Halls closed as well. At the same time, we opened the Level 3 halls and filled them with favorite exhibitions and activities formerly located on Level 2. So, now you will find activities such as: Kapla blocks, Simple Machines and the Math & Perception exhibits located in this newly opened hall.

Also, today is the first day of Special Renovation Pricing. Just $7 per person for entrance to the Museum… a savings of up to $3 per person!

Check back here regularly for more information and updates about the renovation.

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I can appreciate the need for renovations, but it should be made more obvious on your website. I didn't see it when I checked it for hours and address. My family and I were very disappointed to drive two hours and pay $52.00 for a few displays and a movie.

Dalton - August 09, 2009

Not pleased at all that you closed the planetarium (apparently years ago) and there's NO mention of that fact on your website whatsoever. Several other (apparently out of date) websites reference the "Kelly Planetarium" at Discovery Place. Ironic that a 'science museum' closes its planetarium but still showed feature length IMAX movies such as Spiderman and Harry Potter? Hopefully the addition of IMAX screens at traditional movie theatres in the area will allow 'more time' for traditional science related content- and make you reconsider opening the planetarium.

Vince - August 11, 2009

Vince,
You are correct... Discovery Place used to operate a planetarium. About 8 or 9 years ago, we ceased operations in part due to decreasing demand. Unfortunately, we have not been able to correct all of the references to the Kelly Planetarium that exist in cyberspace. We continue to work on it but hope that this new website will help visitors get accurate information about the activities, exhibitions and movies that are available at Discovery Place today.

Discovery Place - August 11, 2009

My friend and I took our 3 boys to Discovery place today and were very disappointed. I did know that the aquarium and rainforest exhibits were closed but were hugely disappointed that many other exhibits were missing also. Definately not worth the money in gas, entrance and parking fees until all of it is re opened.

Emma - August 12, 2009

I hope renovations are for a better Discovery Place. When I was in elementary school (about 10 years ago) I visited Discovery Place as you can imagine as a child I was amazed at all the animals & exhibits I seen. Now at the age of 21 , I recently visited Discovery Place & found that things were literally the same. Yes, even as a adult I was still expecting to be amazed again at things that I could have possibly seen. However, not this time ! Things looked pretty much the same. The rain forest, still beautiful but nothing new. I could not understand what I was paying $10 for when there was nothing there. A few exhibits, nothing special & nothing that would make me come back again, & again. Honestly , to me Discovery Place had become a dull, outdated facility that was no longer interesting to me. IMAX is something new, but I feel it is not necessary when there are plenty of theaters to visit elsewhere. Why does it seem that Discovery Place is turning into a movie theater with exhibits ? What happened to the Discovery Place ?!? The place that you could say was different, a place that I could refer to friends to visit, a place that was filled with excitement, & adventure seems to no longer exist. I too Vince, LOVED the planetarium who didn't ?? It was so much better than IMAX. It is hard to believe that there was a "decreasing demand" for the planetarium. All and all I would rather visit the Zoo than Discovery Place anymore...

Cheryl - August 12, 2009

You are so right Emma, why isn't Discovery Place shut down due to its' renovation ? Its all about the MONEY. It is absolutely ridiculous that they continue to operate when their facility is being remodeled . People are not getting their full benefits. They are paying for services that are not even available. That to me is so very scandalous on Discovery Places' part. Close it down during renovation & when that's done reopen your doors to hopefully a newer, better, exciting Discovery Place !!!

Cheryl - August 12, 2009

Let us try to address some of the issues being raised here.

1. Discovery Place is in the midst of a $31.6 million renovation that will reinvent the experience by filling the Museum with all-new interactive exhibits and activities that present topical and contemporary science. The first of these new exhibits will open over Thanksgiving and then additional exhibits will open throughout the first half of 2010. We agree that it was time for a change and for updating the Museum and we hope that you will come visit to experience all that is new.

2. Currently, we are in the most intensive phase of the renovation and portions of the Museum are closed to the public. To compensate visitors, we have lowered admission prices during this time to $7 per person. There is still lots to see and do in the Museum including the brand-new exhibition, Shipwreck!, KidsPlace, a science interactives area and a slate of new and expanded shows.

3. Discovery Place did not close during its renovation because we felt it was important to continuously provide services to the public.. There are many schools and families that rely on Discovery Place to provide science education in an informal setting and we felt it was part of our mission to continue to do so.

4. The IMAX Dome Theatre showcases primarily nature or science-based films. Currently, we are showing "Under the Sea" and "Grand Canyon". Approximately 3 - 4 times per year, the IMAX Dome features full-length feature films, generally targeted to families.

Finally, we want to say that we value your patronage and dedication to Discovery Place and are appreciative of your feedback. We are working hard to reinvigorate and re-imagine the Discovery Place experience and hope you will return to see all that we have in store.

Discovery Place - August 12, 2009

Subject: Challenger Learning Center?
I have been a donor to the Challenger Leaning Center for about 10 years after attending it at the Discovery Place years ago. I am currently planning a trip to the Discover Place and take my Nephew, but I don't see any information about it on your website. Is it closed while you are remodeling?
Bob

PS: I also read that you no longer have the Planetarium there? About 8 years ago when I visted there I really remembered that it was the largest in the United States, which is very impressive! Very disappointing.

Bob - August 18, 2009

Discovery Place operated a Challenger Learning Center until approximately 2005. The Center was used primarily for school field trip classes. Over time, support for the program declined, the equipment began to deteriorate and we were not able to find adequate additional funding for the program and so it was closed.

The nearest Challenger Learning Center to Discovery Place is in Columbia, SC in the Richland County School District. You can learn more about the Challenger program and see other locations at www.challenger.org.

There is still lots to do and see at Discovery Place including the special exhibition Shipwreck! Pirates & Treasure and the IMAX film Under the Sea. We hope that you and your nephew will choose to visit and try these other experiences and that you will again find something extraordinary here.

Discovery Place - August 19, 2009

I just wanted to say that I was disappointed when we came with our family in June and half of the museum was closed for renovations. We payed for a membership, and yes there were renovation signs up, but nowhere did it say that half the museum was closed. I did also want to mention, for those of you who, like me, miss the planetarium shows, there are other planetariums in NC. In fact, there is one in Hickory, and if you have a membership to Discovery Place, then you get in to the museum free and get a dollar off the planetarium price. Just wanted to throw that idea out there.

Cathy Sipprell - August 19, 2009

I'm very upset w/ my visit to the discovery place. I enjoyed the movie but the rest of the muesum was awful. I came to the website for a brief moment and saw that the rainforest and aquarium were being renovated. Nothing else was clearly posted, so I went only to be very let down to find out that 80% of the muesm was closed. It made me very angry that i wasted the time and money to come. I bragged to my boyfriend about how great of a time we were going to have and all about the awesome things there was to do but when we got there it was a huge let down. We did the shipwreck and then the 3rd level area, which by the way most of the things to do up there were broken or missing pieces. Im very upset w/ my visit. There was NOT a lot to do like said below.

Michelle Delgadillo - August 25, 2009

Hi,
I am a teacher interested in bringing a group of students to Discovery Place. Since we are located 4 hours away, I would like for our students to get the most out of a field trip to Discovery Place. Do you have an estimated date for when the renovations will be completed?
Thanks,
Orbie

Orbie Smith - September 07, 2009

Orbie,
Thanks for your question.

The first of Discovery Place's exciting, new exhibitions will be introduced over Thanksgiving. At this time, we also will re-open Level 2 of the Museum.

Following this first opening, we will be introducing new exhibitions throughout the first half of 2010, with the final exhibitions being opened in June.

While we hope that visitors will come to check out the many new offerings as they open, you will be traveling quite a distance so we recommend that you plan the trip in the spring when a significant number of new exhibitions will be available. We hope that you and your students will consider the trip well worth the wait as you experience all-new interactive exhibitions that showcase contemporary and topical science.

Please contact our group sales department: 704.372.6261 x300 for help in planning your trip.

Discovery Place - September 08, 2009

First, let me say, that I love discovery place. I have taken trips here all my life, and there is no doubt that exhibits like the aquarium and rain forest inspired me to pursue a career in science, and I am now working on PhD in ecology and hope to share natures wonder with others. With that said, I have never understood why a planetarium show couldn't be done in the Omnimax theater. I'm no expert, but it the projector in the theater looks very similar to those in other planetariums I have visited. Do you have the ability to do such programs in the theater, and if so why don't you, or am I just mistaken that you have the capabilities?