Discovery Place: Difference between revisions
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this linked to a Laura Owens who lives in Massachusetts and was born in 1970. |
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{{Short description|Museum in North Carolina}} |
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| name = Discovery Place Science |
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'''Discovery Place''' is a [[science museum]] in [[Charlotte, North Carolina]]. It is located on North Tryon Street in [[Uptown Charlotte]] with the main entrance facing North Tryon Street. The museum opened its doors in 1981. The museum contains various temporary and permanent exhibits. Discovery Place also contains an [[OMNIMAX]] theater, known as the Charlotte Observer IMAX Dome Theater at Discovery Place. The OMNIMAX theater at the museum is one of two IMAX theater locations in [[North Carolina]], with the other being located in [[Raleigh, North Carolina]]. |
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| logo = Discovery_Place_Science_Logo.svg |
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| coordinates = {{coord|35|13|46|N|80|50|27|W|type:landmark|display=inline,title}} |
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| former_name = Discovery Place |
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| established = 1981 |
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| location = 301 N. Tryon Street<br/>[[Charlotte, North Carolina]]<br/>United States |
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| type = Science Museum |
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| visitors = 520,000 (as of 2009) |
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| director = Catherine Wilson Horne |
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| publictransit = {{rint|tram}} [[Tryon Street station|Tryon Street]] |
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| website = {{URL|https://discoveryplace.org/}} |
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'''Discovery Place Science''' is a science and technology museum, located in [[Uptown Charlotte|Uptown]], Charlotte, North Carolina. Discovery Place Science operates The Charlotte Observer IMAX Dome Theater, also referred to as an [[OMNIMAX]] theater. It is the largest IMAX Dome Theater in the Carolinas.<ref>{{cite web |title=Explore the Museum |url=https://science.discoveryplace.org/explore |website=Discovery Place |publisher=Discovery Place |access-date=3 July 2021}}</ref> |
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The museum has a satellite museum in West Charlotte known as the Charlotte Natural Museum. In 2009, Discovery Place is planning to open a satellite museum in [[Huntersville, North Carolina]] known as '''Discovery Place Kids Huntersville'''. |
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The museum opened in 1981 and was renovated in 2010. The [[IMAX]] Dome was opened in 1991.<ref>{{cite web |title=Our History |url=https://www.discoveryplace.org/about/history |website=Discovery Place |publisher=Discovery Place |access-date=3 July 2021}}</ref> The theater-naming rights were secured by ''[[The Charlotte Observer]]''. |
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==Features== |
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[[Image:Discovery Place-27527-1.jpg|276px|thumb|right|Discovery Place's main entrance from Tryon Street in [[Uptown Charlotte]]]] |
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The entire museum is housed in a three story building. Adjacent to the museum is the museum's parking deck facing the corner of the intersection of North Church and West Sixth Streets which can be accessed via pedestrian bridge. Discovery Place can be entered via the main entrance on North Tryon Street or the other entrance on Sixth Street. Future plans propose for the center to build a second main entrance on Sixth Street. |
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==Rebranding== |
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Also inside the museum is the Discovery Place Cafeteria, a gift store, and several rooms designated for special events only. |
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In 2016, on the organization's 70th anniversary, the Discovery Place network of museums underwent rebranding for naming clarity. The Discovery Place moniker now refers to the 501(c)3 non-profit and network of museums as a whole. The Uptown Charlotte location: Discovery Place became Discovery Place Science. The [[Freedom Park (Charlotte, North Carolina)|Freedom Park]] location in Charlotte: Charlotte Nature Museum became [[Discovery Place Nature]] and the facilities in [[Huntersville, North Carolina]] and [[Rockingham, North Carolina]] retained their names: Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville and Discovery Place Kids-Rockingham.<ref>{{cite web |title=Brand New: Discovery Place Unveils New Branding Initiative in Celebration of 70 Years of Science in the Carolinas |url=https://www.discoveryplace.org/about/press/releases/brand-new-discovery-place-unveils-new-branding-initiative-in-celebration-of-70-years-of-science-in-the-carolinas |website=Discovery Place |publisher=Discovery Place |access-date=2 July 2021}}</ref> |
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==History== |
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The Discovery Halls feature all of the center's exhibits on the first and second levels of the museum. The third floor contains an auxiliary entrance to the IMAX dome theater for disabled persons. |
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The museum traces its history to 1946, and the foundation of a small museum on Cecil Street, Charlotte, by Laura Owens, a schoolteacher. The popularity of this museum led to the foundation of the Children's Nature Center adjacent to the new [[Freedom Park (Charlotte, North Carolina)|Freedom Park]]. This museum opened in 1951, with a focus on bringing families and nature together. It further expanded in 1965 to include a planetarium. By the 1970s, it had been renamed the Charlotte Nature Museum.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History {{!}} Discovery Place |url=https://www.discoveryplace.org/about/history |access-date=2022-06-02 |website=www.discoveryplace.org |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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At this time, interest in science education was growing, in part due to the [[Space Race|space race]] between the United States and the [[Soviet Union]]. The community of Charlotte approved funding and plans for a comprehensive hands-on science and technology center, and it was decided to locate the new museum on North Tryon Street to encourage development in uptown Charlotte and maximize access in the growing city. |
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This new museum opened in 1981, known as Discovery Place with {{convert|72000|sqft}} of space. Its first director was Russell Peithman. The facility expanded as the needs of the community grew. In 1986, exhibition space was added to accommodate traveling exhibitions and, in 1991, ''The Charlotte Observer IMAX Dome Theatre'' opened as the first giant-screen motion picture theatre in the Carolinas.{{Citation needed|date=May 2023}} The Carol Grotnes Belk Education and Parking Complex was completed in 1996. In 2010, Discovery Place was significantly redeveloped, with an 18-month, $31.6 million renovation.{{cn|date=April 2023}} |
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The museum has continued to grow with the expansion of the community, and the first Discovery Place Kids museum was opened in 2010 in [[Huntersville, North Carolina|Huntersville]], North Carolina. Through [[Public–private partnership|public-private partnerships]], the network continues to expand with a second Discovery Place Kids that opened in 2013 in [[Rockingham, North Carolina|Rockingham]], North Carolina. |
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In 2014, Discovery Place Education Studio at [[Bank of America]] STEM Center for Career Development opened on the museum's uptown campus. |
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In 2016, the organization rebranded as '''Discovery Place''', consisting of three brands: '''Discovery Place Science''' in uptown Charlotte''', Discovery Place Nature''' in Freedom Park and '''Discovery Place Kids''' in Huntersville and Rockingham. Additionally, the organization provides professional development through the Education Studio and educational programming through its community outreach program. |
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==Discovery Place Nature== |
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Discovery Place operates [[Discovery Place Nature]], formerly Charlotte Nature Museum, adjacent to Freedom Park and the [[Little Sugar Creek Greenway]]. Interactive nature exhibits and live animal displays, including a butterfly pavilion, live species, [[insects]] and a variety of native North Carolina animals are subjects to learn. |
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==Discovery Place Kids== |
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In Fall 2010, Discovery Place opened its first Discovery Place Kids Museum in [[Huntersville, North Carolina]].<ref name="hunt">{{Cite web|url=http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/05/23/1450528/discovery-place-kids-nears-its.html|title=Discovery Place Kids nears its fall opening|access-date=2010-06-14|date=2010-05-23|work=The Charlotte Observer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120905124702/http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/05/23/1450528/discovery-place-kids-nears-its.html|archive-date=2012-09-05|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="hunt2">{{Cite web|url=http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/10/22/1778614/now-opening-discovery-place-kids.html|title=Now Opening: Discovery Place Kids|access-date=2010-11-23|date=2010-10-22|work=The Charlotte Observer}}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> As part of a larger vision to develop other Discovery Place Kids locations across the region,<ref name="rock">{{Cite web|url=http://www.wsoctv.com/sponsors/25181967/detail.html|title=Discovery Place Announces Discovery Place KIDS Rockingham|access-date=2010-11-23|date=2010-09-27|work=WSOC-TV|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101205031549/http://www.wsoctv.com/sponsors/25181967/detail.html|archive-date=2010-12-05}}</ref> Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville aims to appeal to families with young children and offers those living in outlying suburban communities the opportunity to visit a Discovery Place museum closer to home. A $18.7 million public-private venture between Discovery Place, Inc. and the City of Huntersville, Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville aimed to offer unique, learning-through-play experiences for young children. Through unique public-private partnerships, the network continues to expand with a second Discovery Place Kids opened in 2013 in Rockingham, NC. |
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== Discovery Place Education Studio == |
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Conforming to the learning needs of the Charlotte region, Discovery Place set a goal to train the region's educators to be inspired and inspiring teachers of STEM education.{{Citation needed|date=May 2023|reason=who said that}} In 2014, Discovery Place Education Studio at Bank of America STEM Center for Career Development opened on the museum's uptown campus. |
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==References== |
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<references/> |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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* [http://www.discoveryplace.org Discovery Place] |
* [http://www.discoveryplace.org Discovery Place] - includes Charlotte Nature museum |
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[[Category:Museums in North Carolina]] |
[[Category:Museums in Charlotte, North Carolina]] |
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[[Category:Science museums in |
[[Category:Science museums in North Carolina]] |
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[[Category:Charlotte, North Carolina]] |
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Latest revision as of 16:29, 29 October 2024
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Former name | Discovery Place |
|---|---|
| Established | 1981 |
| Location | 301 N. Tryon Street Charlotte, North Carolina United States |
| Coordinates | 35°13′46″N 80°50′27″W / 35.22944°N 80.84083°W |
| Type | Science Museum |
| Visitors | 520,000 (as of 2009) |
| Director | Catherine Wilson Horne |
| Public transit access |  Tryon Street |
| Website | discoveryplace |
Discovery Place Science is a science and technology museum, located in Uptown, Charlotte, North Carolina. Discovery Place Science operates The Charlotte Observer IMAX Dome Theater, also referred to as an OMNIMAX theater. It is the largest IMAX Dome Theater in the Carolinas.[1]
The museum opened in 1981 and was renovated in 2010. The IMAX Dome was opened in 1991.[2] The theater-naming rights were secured by The Charlotte Observer.
Rebranding
[edit]In 2016, on the organization's 70th anniversary, the Discovery Place network of museums underwent rebranding for naming clarity. The Discovery Place moniker now refers to the 501(c)3 non-profit and network of museums as a whole. The Uptown Charlotte location: Discovery Place became Discovery Place Science. The Freedom Park location in Charlotte: Charlotte Nature Museum became Discovery Place Nature and the facilities in Huntersville, North Carolina and Rockingham, North Carolina retained their names: Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville and Discovery Place Kids-Rockingham.[3]
History
[edit]The museum traces its history to 1946, and the foundation of a small museum on Cecil Street, Charlotte, by Laura Owens, a schoolteacher. The popularity of this museum led to the foundation of the Children's Nature Center adjacent to the new Freedom Park. This museum opened in 1951, with a focus on bringing families and nature together. It further expanded in 1965 to include a planetarium. By the 1970s, it had been renamed the Charlotte Nature Museum.[4]
At this time, interest in science education was growing, in part due to the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union. The community of Charlotte approved funding and plans for a comprehensive hands-on science and technology center, and it was decided to locate the new museum on North Tryon Street to encourage development in uptown Charlotte and maximize access in the growing city.
This new museum opened in 1981, known as Discovery Place with 72,000 square feet (6,700 m2) of space. Its first director was Russell Peithman. The facility expanded as the needs of the community grew. In 1986, exhibition space was added to accommodate traveling exhibitions and, in 1991, The Charlotte Observer IMAX Dome Theatre opened as the first giant-screen motion picture theatre in the Carolinas.[citation needed] The Carol Grotnes Belk Education and Parking Complex was completed in 1996. In 2010, Discovery Place was significantly redeveloped, with an 18-month, $31.6 million renovation.[citation needed]
The museum has continued to grow with the expansion of the community, and the first Discovery Place Kids museum was opened in 2010 in Huntersville, North Carolina. Through public-private partnerships, the network continues to expand with a second Discovery Place Kids that opened in 2013 in Rockingham, North Carolina.
In 2014, Discovery Place Education Studio at Bank of America STEM Center for Career Development opened on the museum's uptown campus.
In 2016, the organization rebranded as Discovery Place, consisting of three brands: Discovery Place Science in uptown Charlotte, Discovery Place Nature in Freedom Park and Discovery Place Kids in Huntersville and Rockingham. Additionally, the organization provides professional development through the Education Studio and educational programming through its community outreach program.
Discovery Place Nature
[edit]Discovery Place operates Discovery Place Nature, formerly Charlotte Nature Museum, adjacent to Freedom Park and the Little Sugar Creek Greenway. Interactive nature exhibits and live animal displays, including a butterfly pavilion, live species, insects and a variety of native North Carolina animals are subjects to learn.
Discovery Place Kids
[edit]In Fall 2010, Discovery Place opened its first Discovery Place Kids Museum in Huntersville, North Carolina.[5][6] As part of a larger vision to develop other Discovery Place Kids locations across the region,[7] Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville aims to appeal to families with young children and offers those living in outlying suburban communities the opportunity to visit a Discovery Place museum closer to home. A $18.7 million public-private venture between Discovery Place, Inc. and the City of Huntersville, Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville aimed to offer unique, learning-through-play experiences for young children. Through unique public-private partnerships, the network continues to expand with a second Discovery Place Kids opened in 2013 in Rockingham, NC.
Discovery Place Education Studio
[edit]Conforming to the learning needs of the Charlotte region, Discovery Place set a goal to train the region's educators to be inspired and inspiring teachers of STEM education.[citation needed] In 2014, Discovery Place Education Studio at Bank of America STEM Center for Career Development opened on the museum's uptown campus.
References
[edit]- ^ "Explore the Museum". Discovery Place. Discovery Place. Retrieved 3 July 2021.
- ^ "Our History". Discovery Place. Discovery Place. Retrieved 3 July 2021.
- ^ "Brand New: Discovery Place Unveils New Branding Initiative in Celebration of 70 Years of Science in the Carolinas". Discovery Place. Discovery Place. Retrieved 2 July 2021.
- ^ "History | Discovery Place". www.discoveryplace.org. Retrieved 2022-06-02.
- ^ "Discovery Place Kids nears its fall opening". The Charlotte Observer. 2010-05-23. Archived from the original on 2012-09-05. Retrieved 2010-06-14.
- ^ "Now Opening: Discovery Place Kids". The Charlotte Observer. 2010-10-22. Retrieved 2010-11-23.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Discovery Place Announces Discovery Place KIDS Rockingham". WSOC-TV. 2010-09-27. Archived from the original on 2010-12-05. Retrieved 2010-11-23.
External links
[edit]- Discovery Place - includes Charlotte Nature museum