Our History

The idea to develop Creative Discovery Museum was initiated in 1989 by the Board of the Hunter Museum of American Art. After the board of the Hunter evaluated the viability of developing a children’s wing for the art museum, it recommended that a separate children’s museum be created as part of the revitalization of downtown Chattanooga. Creative Discovery Museum was incorporated in 1992 and the Hunter’s Director of Education became the founding director. The idea for the Museum quickly outgrew its origins. It evolved into a multi-disciplinary educational institution for young people, utilizing interactive programs and exhibits to explore art, music, science and technology.

From the beginning, input from children, parents, teachers, and supporters has been the key to our success. Initial funding was acquired from visionary individuals and foundations to make the plan for a children's museum a reality. Chattanooga public and private school students and 60 of their teachers determined that the Museum feature a hands-on, high-tech experience, while meeting curriculum goals of local school systems.

The Museum officially opened in May of 1995. Over two million people have visited the Museum since its opening and during that time span, it has established itself as one of Chattanooga’s most dynamic and innovative cultural resources. In 2002, the Museum was rated the 13th best children’s museum in the nation by Child Magazine. The Museum has also received national awards for its programs for children with disabilities. In 2004, Creative Discovery Museum acquired the NewsChannel 9 Science Theatre in Northgate Mall which has become a key component of its science education efforts. The Museum completed a major renovation of the facility as part of the 21st Century Waterfront Plan which began with the opening of RiverPlay in 2003 and concluded with the addition of the outdoor Rooftop Fun Factory in 2005.

The building and exhibit design was supervised by Lee H. Skolnick Architecture + Design Partnership in New York, acknowledged experts in children's museum design. Their goal was to create a facility "rich in imagery, exciting to the eye, welcoming to the visitor and friendly to the child".

After extensive renovations and additions by Kraemer Design and Production, the Museum features several exciting permanent exhibits including: RiverPlay, the Little Yellow House, Arts Alley and the Back Alley Theatre, Excavation Station, the Inventors' Clubhouse, Lookout Tower, and the Rooftop Fun Factory.

Other fun spots in the 43,000 square foot, two-story building include a 118 seat auditorium, the Museum Shop, Café Dino-Mite, temporary exhibits gallery, classroom, a conservatory and the birthday party room. We have something fun for children ages 4-months to twelve-years-old. All areas of the Museum are fully wheelchair accessible except the 3rd level of the Lookout Tower and the top level of RiverPlay.