| Date opened | 1957[1] |
|---|---|
| Location | Greensboro, North Carolina, USA |
| Annual visitors | 200,000[1] |
| Memberships | AZA,[2] AAM[3] |
| Major exhibits | OmniSphere Theater, Animal Discovery Zoological Park |
| Website | www.natsci.org |
The Natural Science Center of Greensboro (originally the Greensboro Junior Museum) is a science museum and zoological park established in 1957 and located in Greensboro, North Carolina, USA. It has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 2008, and is a member of the American Association of Museums (AAM).
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The center was established in 1957 as the Greensboro Junior Museum. By its 40th anniversary in 1997, it was attracting some 200,000 visitors each year.[1]
The current executive director, Glenn Dobrogosz,[4] was hired in 2004[5]
The facility received accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in 2008.[6]
As part of a $20 million makeover, the zoo opened Time Warner Cable's Extreme Weather Gallery in May 2011, and the HealthQuest exhibit in June 2011.[7]
The Animal Discovery Zoological Park is home to animals including tigers, wallabies, coati, meerkats, howler monkeys, crocodiles, and is designed to showcase the "Science of Survival." Attractions within the zoo include Friendly Farm, Kavanagh Discovery House. and the Davis Kelly Fountain of Youth and Discovery.[7][8]
The Museum includes a dinosaur gallery with a roaring Tyrannosaurus rex model, a Gem and Mineral Gallery, Kid's Alley, Time Warner Cable's Extreme Weather Gallery, HealthQuest, and touch labs that include live snakes, amphibians, and sea animals.[8]
The OmniSphere Theater is a full dome theater where visitors experience everything from the stars to coral reefs in 3D.[8]
In 2009, Greensboro voters considered a $20 million bond referendum for the Natural Science Center. $10 million is planned for SciQuarium, a 250,000 gallon aquarium, more than 75 species of animals, and a stingray touch tank. $10 million is planned for renovations and expansions of existing parts of the center.[9] The master plan for this renovation was developed with the help of Cambridge Seven Associates and Moser-Mayer Phoenix & Associates, and phase 1 (the Carolina SciQuarium) is scheduled to open late in 2012. Phase 2 will include updates to the current museum, and phase 3 will include new animals in an exhibit called "Endangered Species Village."[10]
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