Over the years, Tellus Science Museum has been a shining star in Georgia, boasting high visitor numbers and making a significant educational impact on the surrounding community. But Tellus isn’t one to rest on its laurels, as they have just completed their latest new gallery centered on the far-reaching effects of the smartphone.
Since opening in 2009, Tellus Science Museum has welcomed nearly 3 million visitors and educated more than 500,000 children from all over Georgia and beyond. With this new impressive expansion, Tellus proves how it’scontinuously reaching for the moon and the stars.
On Oct. 10, the world-class science museum in Cartersville, Ga. opened its new, two-part building expansion to the public. Under construction from January 2024 until the fall of 2025, the decision to develop both permanent galleries and traveling exhibits has been a “huge success,” says Tellus Director of Marketing, Shelly Humble.
17 Years and Counting
In its 17th year of operation, the Tellus Museum’s original 120,000 square feet includes four permanent galleries, two special exhibits, a 120-seat digital planetarium and an observatory with a state-of-the-art, 20-inch telescope. Part of the original Tellus experience, The Weinman Mineral Gallery, The Fossil Gallery, Science in Motion and The Collins Family’s My Big Backyard allow the museum to “open minds and ignite a passion for science,” they state. Eye-popping exhibits like an 80-foot-long Brontosaurus and a Wright Brothers flyer replica excite and amaze visitors of all ages.
Children enjoy conducting hands-on experiments with light, sound, magnets, and more. Dazzling gems and minerals sparkle and glow alongside interactive exhibits demonstrating how the Earth moves and changes. The new 10,000 plus feet addition allows observers to participate in both science and technology in exciting new ways.
Replaced by the Smartphone
Museum guests will marvel at the latest permanent gallery, “Replaced by the Smartphone,” which features the technological evolution of smartphones. On display are “artifacts” that have now been replaced by the smartphone,including calculators, cameras, record players, and several other items. A particularly popular area is the “development of the cell phone” display, as viewers recall the phones they carried throughout their own journey to the smartphone.
“So many items have been replaced by the technology we hold in our hands today,” Humble explains. “It is important to understand the variety of items our phones have replaced and, as a result, the way this technology has changed our lives.”
Traveling Exhibits and Events
In addition to the permanent gallery, “Journey to Space,” on loan from Minnesota, is the first in the museum’s series of traveling exhibits. This dynamic, interactive gallery, open until April 19, showcases life on board the International Space Station and tracks the development of NASA’s “space race.”
The traveling gallery is expected to change two or three times a year and include many interactive aspects. As Executive Director Adam Wade informs, “the expansion allows the museum to share something fresh and different with audiences of all ages.”
Tellus hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including RockFest, Heavy Metal in Motion, and Holiday PJ Party. The Tellus lecture series features special guests every month with topics ranging from the construction of the museum’s dinosaurs to the history of space travel. National Astronomy Day is held every year right around the first quarter Moon, and Tellus celebrates National Astronomy Day with children’s activities, solar and night viewings, and special giveaways.
Oldies but Goodies
No visit to Tellus is complete without a planetarium show, a fossil dig, and gem panning. The digital projector takes audiences through the solar system, to the edge of the galaxy, and beyond. Fossils and a bag of gems are taken home as keepsakes.
With all there is to offer at Tellus, patrons can expect a visit to their state-of-the-art facility to take three or more hours. Visitors can also enjoy the on-site cafe, which features delicious meal options suitable for all ages. Group rates are available with advance notice.
Upholding its original intention, Tellus Science Museum continues to meet its mission: “Because science matters, we engage, educate, and inspire visitors to make scientific connections through dynamic exhibits and enriching experiences.”
The new Tellus West Galleries are included in the price of tickets and are open Monday-Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bentley Planetarium tickets are $5 per show with paid museum admission. Planetarium tickets may only be purchased at the Admissions Desk on the day of your visit.
Enjoy a visit to one of Georgia’s best museums and experience Tellus’ commitment to discovery for yourself.
Plan your visit to the Tellus Museum and learn more at tellusmuseum.org
