CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Discovery Place will open its doors to a new era and to the public free of charge on Sunday, June 27, as part of a celebration that concludes the Museum’s $31.6 million renovation.

The finale of the 18-month renovation brings all new interactive science and technology exhibits to Discovery Place, including extraordinary new experiences such as a diverse aquarium, a brand new 3D digital theatre, and new lab stations for hands-on science.

“Visitors to our re-imagined Discovery Place will find the Museum transformed by all new, original exhibits showcasing contemporary science and technology activities,” said John Mackay, president and CEO of Discovery Place, “Rarely does a Museum have the opportunity to re-create the visitor experience from scratch. We’ve worked hard to develop unique and engaging activities that will bring the “wow” of science to visitors of all ages.”

Public Free Day coincides with the opening of the final two of nine new exhibitions developed and installed at Discovery Place since fall 2009: “Fantastic Frogs”, featuring live frog species, gives visitors a closer look at the “superpowers” that enable frogs to survive in even the harshest of conditions and “World Alive”, a celebration of biodiversity designed around eco-systems that includes a renovated and upgraded rainforest, a larger and more spectacular aquarium, and two themed hands-on labs.

“After years of design and planning and 18-months of construction, we are inviting the community in to discover the new Discovery Place,” continued Mackay. “We are very grateful for the support we have received throughout the renovation and Public Free Day is a small way of saying thank you.”

Discovery Place’s Public Free Day will take place from noon – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 27, 2010. Museum admission will be free to all guests. IMAX® Dome Theatre admission is not included in Public Free Day.

Discovery Place to Host Public Free Day

About Discovery Place

Discovery Place is located in uptown Charlotte at 301 N. Tryon Street. Convenient parking is available in the Museum’s parking deck

- the Carol Grotnes Belk Complex - at the corner of Sixth and Church Streets. For more information about Discovery Place, call 704-372-6261 or visit discoveryplace.org.

One of the top hands-on science museums in the nation, Discovery Place provides ever-changing, entertaining facilities that engage the public in the active exploration of science and nature. More than a half-million people from all over the United States visit Discovery Place, its IMAX Dome Theatre and Charlotte Nature Museum each year. Discovery Place is supported, in part, with a Basic Operating Grant from the Arts & Science Council.