Matthews, NC – The Town of Matthews and Discovery Place today announced plans to bring a new Discovery Place Kids museum to Matthews. Under a newly established development and management agreement, the Town will provide building space and Discovery Place will oversee the upfitting and operation of the museum. The Matthews Board of Commissioners approved the agreement during their meeting on Monday. 

“This is a tremendous opportunity for Matthews, and we couldn’t be more excited about this partnership,” said Mayor John Higdon. “Discovery Place Kids is renowned for its engaging experiences that are both fun and educational for children and their families. While the museum opening is still a few years away, we are excited to welcome them to Matthews and look forward to the many ways they will enrich our community.” 
 
“We are thrilled to partner with the Town of Matthews to bring Discovery Place Kids to this vibrant community,” said Catherine Horne, Discovery Place President and CEO. “This museum will be a hub of imagination, creativity and hands-on learning, designed to inspire young minds and bring families together. More than just a destination, it will be a valuable community resource where children can explore science in a fun and engaging way.” 
 
The building space will be funded through the Town’s Tourism Fund and is expected to be available within the next five years. The exact location has not yet been determined. The Town expects to finalize the details in the coming months and will provide further updates as they become available. 
 
“Discovery Place Kids-Matthews will be built with the community, for the community,” said Dr. Nikole (Nikki) L. Hill, Chief Learning Officer at Discovery Place. “From interactive exhibits to dynamic STEM programs, every aspect of the museum will reflect the voices and needs of Matthews families. This spring, we’re excited to launch a series of community input sessions to hear directly from residents and shape a museum experience that truly belongs to Matthews.” 
 
Discovery Place Kids offers interactive exhibits and hands-on learning experiences designed to spark curiosity and foster a love of learning in young children. The addition of a Matthews location will provide local families with greater access to these high-quality educational opportunities. 

About the Town of Matthews: Located in southwestern Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, the Town of Matthews offers big-city amenities and small-town charm. Known for a vibrant historic downtown, top-rated schools, beautiful parks and greenways, and annual festival and family-friendly events, Matthews is a desirable place to live, work and thrive. As part of one of the fastest-growing regions in the state, Matthews continues to attract residents and businesses thanks to its high quality of life, welcoming atmosphere and forward-thinking vision for the future. For more information about the Town of Matthews, visit www.matthewsnc.gov.  
 
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, Charlotte Museum of Nature (opening in 2026), Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville and Discovery Place Kids-Rockingham. For more information about Discovery Place, visit discoveryplace.org.