At the Cook Museum of Natural Science in downtown Decatur, visitors of all ages learn about the wonders of nature — and not by looking passively at dry, dull, traditional displays.
Instead, they enjoy an exciting, hands-on, immersive experience featuring state-of-the-art interactive exhibits.
Less than 90 minutes from Birmingham, the facility is open seven days a week all summer and offers families the chance to make amazing memories together.
The Cook Museum will mark a big milestone on June 7 when it celebrates its fifth anniversary at its current location.
“Since opening in 2019, the museum has continued to find new ways to fulfill its mission to engage, excite and educate visitors, and we’re honored to celebrate this special milestone,” said Kara Long, the museum’s Director of Collections and Gallery Experience.
Visitors can take part in the celebration during the museum’s fun, exciting Fifth Year Anniversary Weekend June 8 and 9. In addition, the museum will host a Member Appreciation Day on Saturday, July 13, with games, crafts and snacks. More information on these big events will be available soon.
The museum is also celebrating its anniversary by opening yet another exciting, interactive experience — the Mining Sluice. This new hands-on, outdoors experience allows visitors to mine — and take home — their very own gemstones. Different sizes of mining bags loaded with hidden treasures are available for purchase in the Courtyard.
The Mining Sluice will be open on select days and have special operating hours that are weather dependent and vary from the museum's exhibit hours. General Museum admission is required.
“We are thrilled to offer another interactive educational experience to our visitors with the addition of Cook Museum Mining Co.,” Long said. “We hope the excitement of mining gemstones inspires memories and learning in all ages. That's what the Cook Museum is all about.”
The Mining Sluice is a great addition to the museum’s other cool experiences. Attendees touch a meteorite. They climb to the top of Big Tree. They’re mesmerized by moon jellies. They build a volcano and watch it erupt.
“Hands-on, immersive experiences engage people through more than listening, reading or watching,” said Joy Harris, the Cook Museum’s marketing coordinator.
In addition to big events, there are other ways visitors can participate in celebrating the museum’s fifth anniversary.
Monthly Giveaways: Each month Cook Museum will host a week-long social media giveaway with amazing prizes. Follow the Cook Museum on Facebook and Instagram for more information and to enter to win.
Membership Gift: Throughout 2024, a commemorative tote bag and sticker will be given out to each membership purchased or renewed.
Doodle Bug Activity Guide: Visitors to the museum can take home a Doodle Bug Activity Guide, packed full of fun ways to continue the learning at home and online at Discovery Hub after your visit. Offered while supplies last.
As always, the museum also offers a great lineup of classes, camps and special events.
For more information about the Cook Museum, including hours, admission prices and memberships, call 256-351-4505 or go to cookmuseum.org.
For more about the Museum's Fifth Year Anniversary, visit cookmuseum.org/five.
