Located in Uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, Discovery Place Science is a hands-on science and technology museum designed to inspire visitors of all ages. Originally tracing its roots back to 1946 from a small museum founded by schoolteacher Laura Owens, the museum officially opened its Uptown location in 1981 to encourage downtown development and advance science education. Today, you can explore engaging science and technology exhibits alongside incredible cinematic experiences at The Charlotte Observer IMAX Dome Theater.
Opened in 1991, this OMNIMAX facility stands as the largest IMAX Dome Theater in the Carolinas, featuring giant-screen motion pictures. The museum underwent a major $31.6 million renovation in 2010 to continuously modernize its facilities. Beyond the main Uptown campus, the broader Discovery Place non-profit network includes Discovery Place Nature near Freedom Park—featuring interactive nature exhibits, a butterfly pavilion, and live native species—as well as regional Discovery Place Kids locations in Huntersville and Rockingham, North Carolina.
Whether you are catching a larger-than-life film in the massive IMAX dome, exploring STEM learning centers, or visiting its affiliated nature facilities, Discovery Place offers a comprehensive, family-friendly journey into science, nature, and technology across the region.
What to see at Discovery Place
- The Charlotte Observer IMAX Dome Theater, the largest OMNIMAX theater in the Carolinas
- Comprehensive hands-on science and technology exhibits in Uptown Charlotte
- Interactive nature displays, live North Carolina animals, and a butterfly pavilion at Discovery Place Nature
- Learning-through-play experiences for young children at regional Discovery Place Kids locations
Visiting tips
Utilize the Carol Grotnes Belk Education and Parking Complex during your visit to the uptown campus.
How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Daytime
How to get there & what’s nearby
Discovery Place is easy to reach on Charlotte’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and Harvey B. Gantt Center. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Charlotte travel guide.
See the full Charlotte travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.