The Museum of Discovery in Little Rock's River Market is closed for a 10-month renovation. A grand reopening is scheduled for January.

While the building is closed, the museum will increase outreach programs in science, technology, engineering and math to students across the state. Events are planned for schools, libraries, community centers and festivals this summer, and the 12th annual Dino Dash 5K/1K and Discovery Fest will be held May 21 in its traditional location, adjacent to the Museum building.

To see a schedule of events click here.

The renovations will increase the Museum of Discovery's square footage to 50,000 and include a new public use area of more than 4,000 square feet. Construction by East Harding began in December; the first phase, now completed, includes new office space for staff members downstairs and the demolition of the tech park area outside to make way for a new grand entry hall.

The entrance will face President Clinton Avenue and will feature as a centerpiece a ceiling-mounted kinetic sculpture by Reuben Margolin. This mechanical mobile will be made out of hundreds of sliding bars and pulleys that create the visual effect of a slowly undulating wave.

New galleries in the museum will include:

  • Discovery Hall -- exhibits using math, energy, matter and force.
  • Amazing You -- exhibits about the amazing human body and its systems
  • Earth Journeys -- exhibits explore global earth processes made relevant by their connection to Arkansas.

For more information click here.