New $4.8M Discovery Place Kids Museum Opening 2029 in Matthews
A Discovery Place kids’ museum is heading to Matthews, covering up to 24,000 square feet. The project, with a price tag of $4.8 million, will get its funding from the Town’s Tourism Fund.
On Feb. 24, 2025, the Matthews Board of Commissioners gave the green light to the project’s development plan. Under the deal, the town will build and keep ownership while Discovery Place handles operations.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for Matthews, and we couldn’t be more excited about this partnership,” said Mayor John Higdon to wccbcharlotte.com.
Discovery Place Kids Museum Coming Soon
They’re hoping to match the success of their Huntersville location, which welcomes 200,000 visitors yearly. Starting this spring, community meetings will help shape what the museum will offer. Kids will explore hands-on science exhibits and take part in educational activities. The programs follow state and national learning standards, making them valuable for local schools.
They haven’t picked the location yet. Through upcoming community meetings, locals will help decide where it should be built. The size they choose will impact upkeep costs and parking needs.
Discovery Place brings 75 years of experience teaching kids about science. Their Charlotte network includes The Charlotte Observer IMAX Dome Theater, the largest of its kind in both Carolinas.
This new location will blend with Matthews’ character while bringing something new. There isn’t another children’s museum in the area. Young visitors can dive into workshops about science, tech, engineering, and math. Each age group gets tailored activities that explore exciting topics.
As part of the Discovery Place family, this spot joins other learning centers. Their existing locations feature special areas like KidScience, blending fun with education.
The partnership makes responsibilities clear: Matthews builds while Discovery Place runs everything, from exhibits to day-to-day operations.
