Media Contact: Alyssa Mulliger | amulliger@discoveryplace.org

CHARLOTTE, NC (December 16, 2024) — Discovery Place marked a significant construction milestone for its new Nature Museum on Monday with the placement of the last steel beam on the structure’s framework.

The topping out ceremony celebrated progress on the new museum and recognized the many construction workers and crews for their dedication to the project.

“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.

Following a groundbreaking and ceremonial tree planting in May 2024, construction has moved steadily along on the new world-class nature haven in the heart of Freedom Park. Anticipated to open in 2026, the new museum will include:

• Interactive exhibits and a state-of-the-art naturalist lab
• Nature trails and outdoor experiences including a treetop canopy walk
• Animals representing species native to the Piedmont, including North American river otters
• The new museum is a public-private partnership between Mecklenburg County and Discovery Place. Liollio Architecture and Hood Design Studio comprise the
• architectural team behind the new museum’s planning and design, with construction led by Rodgers Builders.

Joining the topping out celebration were local and state officials, executives from Liollio Architecture and Rodgers Builders, along with Discovery Place Board of Trustees members and supporters of the new Nature Museum.

For more information about the new Nature Museum and updates on progress, visit https://naturecampaign.org/.

About Discovery Place

One of the leading hands-on science museums in the nation, Discovery Place brings science, nature and design together to create transformative experiences that enable the community to understand, enjoy and apply science to their lives. Discovery Place is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the leading hub for science education and exploration in the Carolinas through four distinct museum experiences—Discovery Place Science, Discovery Place Nature, Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville and Discovery Place Kids-Rockingham. Discovery Place serves more than 750,000 people a year—through Museum visits, interactive educational programming and community outreach initiatives—shaping a future where people embrace science to create opportunities, build hope, solve problems and bring positive change for our world. In 2017, Discovery Place was named as a finalist for the National Medal by the Institute for Museum and Library Science.