About The Discovery

Fostering curiosity in everyone!

Welcome to the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum (best known as The Discovery) where we inspire by being the place to experience science.

Centrally located between Reno’s downtown core and the Midtown District, the museum serves as northern Nevada’s home for hands-on science exploration. Through immersive, hands-on exhibitions and engaging educational programs, The Discovery gives visitors of every age the opportunity to explore science, technology, engineering, and invention, all while developing a love of lifelong learning. We invite you to plan your visit today—there’s always more to discover!

Mission & Values

The Discovery’s mission is simple: We seek to inspire. By being our region’s home for science exploration, we are committed to serving everyone in our community by providing equitable opportunities for quality education through hands-on learning, self-discovery, and inclusive content. Additionally, The Discovery is committed to creating a staff that is as diverse as the communities we serve. Learn more about The Discovery’s mission.

Board, Staff & Volunteers

The Discovery is guided by a dedicated leadership team committed to the mission and to growing the museum’s impact in our region. Our leadership team brings a wealth of expertise in science, education, and nonprofit management, and works together with our passionate staff and volunteers to ensure The Discovery remains a valuable cultural asset for generations to come. The Discovery is governed by its Board of Directors who tirelessly give their time and expertise to help the museum serve our community in the best way possible. Meet our staff, board of directors, or learn more about becoming a volunteer.

A Brief History

The Discovery was founded as the Nevada Discovery Museum in 2004 by Chris Riche, entrepreneur and father of two. Chris personally funded the project’s feasibility study, formed the initial board of directors, and began making connections in the community with donors who recognized the potential cultural and educational impacts the museum would create. From 2004 to 2011, more than $21 million was raised to purchase Reno’s former City Hall building, perform needed renovations, and design and build the initial collection of hands-on exhibitions. Since opening in September 2011, The Discovery has quickly become recognized as a world-class science center welcoming an average of 175,000 visitors each year.

Our Building

Although the museum opened to the public in 2011, the building the museum calls home was completed in 1965 and was originally Reno’s City Hall. With support from donors during the museum’s capital campaign, the building was purchased from the city in 2005. The building’s central location, ample on-site parking, and 67,000 square-feet of interior space made it ideal for the transformation from municipal building to science museum. Prior to opening, the building underwent a major renovation, including construction of a two-story glass lobby at the main entrance on Center Street, and environmentally friendly additions such as a large solar array.