Charlotte’s Discovery Place celebrated a groundbreaking of a new environmental education center and nature museum in Freedom Park. The new center will replace the old nature museum that was built in the 50s.
“The original building that housed Charlotte’s nature museum opened more than 70 years ago,” said Catherine Wilson Horne, Discovery Place President & CEO. “Our city has grown exponentially in a way that most cities can only dream about since that time, and we are thrilled to have finally broken ground on what will be a true cultural amenity and destination for Charlotte residents and visitors alike.”
The new nature museum aims to be an engaging environmental education center for guests of all ages. It will provide opportunities to explore the outdoors and learn sustainability practices. Specifically, the museum will feature a North American River Otter habitat, a naturalist lab, a native animal collection, and a tree canopy walk. Furthermore, the design prioritizes accessibility and integration with Freedom Park through public gardens and community spaces.
Since launching the Welcome Program in 2015, Discovery Place has emphasized accessibility. This program offers $3 museum admission to families receiving WIC or EBT benefits in North or South Carolina. Nearly 450,000 guests have already used the program. Consequently, Discovery Place expects 13% of the new nature museum’s first-year attendees to come through the Welcome Program.
Construction for the new museum in Freedom Park will begin in the coming weeks. Officials anticipate completion by Fall 2025. The museum’s opening date will be announced later.
You can find out more about the new museum at nature.discoveryplace.org.
