Discovery Center Museum

The Rockford Area Arts Council and the Junior League of Rockford founded the Discovery Center in October, 1981. Their goal was to provide a participatory learning environment for children and families - a place to experiment, to explore, to experience. Each founding organization contributed funds and support for this three-year pilot program.

In the first year, the museum hosted 6,000 school children on field trips and housed 20 interactive exhibits. Public hours began in the second year of the project, as did the series of family programs. These programs encouraged visitors to return often, and our audience increased to 11,750 by the third year.

In 1983, a planning grant from the Illinois Arts Council enabled Discovery Center to hire a museum consultant to assist with the next phase of the museum. The Junior League voted to renew its project for an additional three years and the Rockford Area Arts Council turned over the museum's operation to a newly formed Board of Directors. Discovery Center Museum incorporated in 1984 and officially became a non-profit organization, and is still managed by the original director.
The amazing Discovery Center Museum is full of over 250 exciting hands-on exhibits spread over a two-floor area. Out in the museum's backyard, visitors can explore Rock River Discovery Park, a giant, multi-level science park with a hands-on twist! The museum also hosts traveling exhibits, special events and programs throughout the year.
Create opportunities for joyful learning and discovery through hands-on experiences in the sciences and arts.

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