The Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum in Reno—often known to locals as “The Discovery”— is Nevada’s largest hands-on science museum. From larger-than-life dinosaur fossils and perplexing puzzles to room-sized, multi-level interactive displays, The Discovery boasts a whopping, experience-packed 67,000 square feet of ever-changing, hands-on (and even “climb-on”) exhibitions focused on science, technology, engineering, and invention—all designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and the joy of lifelong learning in everyone who visits.
Nestled between downtown and Reno’s MidTown District, The Discovery is Nevada’s largest science museum, connecting a curious public with scientific inquiry and innovation.
Through a wide array of permanent and featured exhibitions, The Discovery aims to be a haven for innovative, immersive exploration that appeals to anyone with an inquiring mind.
Exhibitions and Events at The Discovery
Some favorite permanent exhibitions at The Discovery in Reno include a NASA research and design center; the towering water cycle-themed Cloud Climber jungle gym; the Reno arm of the invention-themed Spark!Lab Smithsonian; the totally hands-on, art and science project-filled Da Vinci’s Corner; and Energy/Energia, a deep dive into the future of renewable energy and careers in this emerging field.
Travel Nevada Pro Tip
For some grown-up shenanigans, check out The Discovery’s quarterly adults-only evenings. Past themes have included the 80s, phobias, CSI, and brewology.
At The Discovery, millions of kids and adults alike dive into fascinating new experiences, routinely earning the institution a place at the top of regional and statewide lists for “Best Place to Take the Family” and “Best Indoor Activity.” Adults will love the museum’s quarterly adults-only science exploration series called Social Science, or Science Distilled, an informal lecture series curated in partnership with the University of Nevada, Reno College of Science. Best yet, the museum offers seasonal camps for school-aged children, museum overnights, school field trips, events specifically for teens, programming for early learners, and daily science demonstrations.
Hours:
The Discovery is open Thursdays through Tuesdays from 10 a.m to 5 p.m., and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The museum is open on Mondays from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Admission:
Admission to The Discovery is $11 for Children (1-5), $14 for Youth (6-17), $16 for Adults, and $15 for Seniors (65+). Admission is free for children under the age of 1.
This Location:
City
RenoRegion
Northwestern
