Making Waves: A Fresh New Look for the Discovery Center鈥檚 Water Zone
A beloved space is getting a science-forward upgrade focused on Alaska鈥檚 dynamic natural world
April 17, 2025
For more than 15 years, the 果冻传煤 Museum鈥檚 Discovery Center has been a favorite for visitors of all ages鈥攅specially young learners eager to roll up their sleeves and dive into hands-on play. In Spring 2025, the Water Zone section of this popular space begins an exciting transformation that will bring fresh energy, interactive learning, and a deeper focus on Alaska鈥檚 unique environment. It鈥檚 all part of a Discovery Center refresh happening this year.
The refreshed Water Zone will examine how water shapes and defines Alaska鈥檚 landscape by focusing on three of the state鈥檚 most dynamic natural systems. Visitors will learn about the role of rivers and glaciers in sculpting Southcentral Alaska, the powerful tidal forces of the region鈥攊ncluding the rare and awe-inspiring bore tide鈥攁nd the science of snow as a solid form of water, from snowpack formation to the conditions that can trigger avalanches. These updates begin in late-April with a new exhibit looking at the huge tides of Cook Inlet and Turnagain Arm. Opening in mid-May, the exhibit will be highlighted by an interactive experience for viewers to 鈥渟urf鈥� the Turnagain Arm bore tide. Additional new exhibits and a fully transformed Water Zone will follow in Fall 2025, with interactives focused on river systems, snowpack, and avalanches, all planned for a full unveiling by late November. Specific closures to the Water Zone will limited to late-April through mid-May, and again from mid-September through early-November. The Discovery Center remains open during the TOTE Water Zone refresh, with only minimal disruption in that specific area while the work is being done.
Why the Refresh?
Science is always evolving鈥攁nd so are we. As part of our ongoing effort to keep the Discovery Center current, relevant, and aligned with the latest educational practices, we鈥檙e updating the Discovery Center with new experiences highlighting the sciences and processes that make Alaska鈥檚 what it is today.
The new exhibits will focus on natural systems that shape our state鈥攍ike glaciers, bore tides, snow, and watersheds鈥攐ffering visitors immersive ways to explore how water connects to the land and to life.
鈥淭his refresh is about more than updating content,鈥� Aaron Slonecker, Director of the Discovery Center. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about designing a space that reflects what visitors are curious about today, and how they want to learn鈥攖hrough discovery, hands-on exploration, and connection to place.鈥�
What to Expect
When the Discovery Center reopens in 2025, visitors can look forward to:
- New interactive exhibits inspired by Alaska鈥檚 snow, glaciers, and tidal systems
- Updated technology and hands-on features to support deeper learning
- A more cohesive space that ties together land and water processes
- Opportunities for expanded programming and educational activities
Looking Ahead
Refreshing exhibitions like the Water Zone is a common practice in science centers. It helps keep spaces exciting, reflects the latest research, and ensures there鈥檚 always something new to discover.
鈥淲e know our visitors value fresh experiences,鈥� says Slonecker. 鈥淭his transformation is an opportunity to tell the story of Alaska鈥檚 incredible natural forces in a new and inspiring way.鈥�
We can鈥檛 wait to share what鈥檚 next.
This Discovery Center TOTE Water Zone refresh is made possible with support from TOTE, Matson, Copper Point Insurance, Atwood Foundation, 果冻传煤 Museum Foundation, Knobby and Mary Ellen Segelhorst Fund for Children, Katherine and Gregory Jernstrom, and Rick and Cyndi Fox Foundation.
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