“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
Discovery Place is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the leading hub for science learning in the Carolinas dedicated to the exchange of ideas, scientific exploration and creative expression to stimulate innovative problem-solving and learning. Discovery Place’s network includes four distinct museum experiences—Discovery Place Science, the new Nature Museum (opening in 2026), Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville and Discovery Place Kids-Rockingham. For more information about Discovery Place, visit discoveryplace.org.