Wow. Look at this amazing building. This is the Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum. It’s not just any museum. It’s a place where learning is an adventure.
Discovery Gateway started its journey in 1978. It was then known as The Children’s Museum of Utah. The museum opened its doors in 1983. It was initially located in a different building. It only had eight exhibits. These original exhibits were quite unique. They included a paleontology dig. There was even a Western Airline’s 737 cockpit.
Over the years Discovery Gateway grew. By 1998 it had 140 permanent exhibits. The museum needed more space. Salt Lake County voters approved a bond issue in 2002. This funded the move to a new larger building. The new museum opened in September 2006. This is where it stands today.
The Discovery Gateway has many exhibits. The second floor has the Garden. Kids can play music on a giant marimba. They can explore a ‘penny drop’ exhibit. This shows how small contributions add up. The Kid’s Eye View is a kid-sized town. Kids can shop build and feed animals. There’s even a section for children under three.
On the third floor you’ll find the Story Factory. Kids can direct plays create comics or make stop-motion films. The Studio combines science art and invention. Outside is Saving Lives From The Sky. It features a real Life Flight helicopter.
Discovery Gateway hosts special exhibits too. These change regularly. Past exhibits included Robots Sesame Street Presents and Invention at Play.
The museum offers many programs. They cover science art and humanities. There are workshops and classes for children aged birth to twelve. They even have Sensory Inclusive Afternoons to make the museum more accessible. Discovery Gateway also has a virtual and in-person concert series.
Discovery Gateway offers a unique chemistry program Reaction Time. It’s provided to every fifth-grade class in Utah. Over 55000 children have participated. It’s truly a special place.
In conjunction with Junior Achievement of Utah Discovery Gateway runs Junior Achievement City. It’s a hands-on experience focusing on economics and finance. It’s the only program of its kind within 700 miles. Junior Achievement City is located on the fourth floor. It’s currently open to school groups only.
The Discovery Gateway isn’t just a museum. It’s a place of discovery learning and fun. It’s a place where children can explore their world. It’s a place where imaginations can soar. It’s a truly special part of Salt Lake City.