Discovery Center at Murfree Spring

09/30/2026

¡Muchas gracias to everyone who joined us for Hispanic Heritage Day on Saturday! 💃

Discovery Center was full of so much joy as families celebrated Hispanic and Latino culture together. Kids made colorful crafts, listened to stories and picked up a few new Spanish words along the way. (We heard lots of "¡hola!" and "¡gracias!" by the end of the day!)

A big thank you to the Nissan Foundation for their support of our Cultural Heritage Days. Your generosity helps make programming like this possible for families across our community! 🙌

Days like this are what Discovery Center is all about: learning, connecting, and celebrating the people who make Middle Tennessee such a special place to call home. ❤️

09/25/2026

Calling all Tennessee artists! 🎨

Want to spend six weeks creating art alongside the curious kids of Middle Tennessee? Our 2027 Artist-in-Residence Program is looking for a local or regional artist to join us January 16 – February 27, 2027.

Here's what you get:
✨ A $2,000 stipend
✨ Studio space inside the museum
✨ Up to $400 in materials for hands-on workshops
✨ A chance to leave a lasting piece in our permanent collection

The commitment is 4 hours a week: 3 hours of open studio time on your installation and 1 hour leading a hands-on workshop with our young visitors.

Painters, sculptors, textile artists, illustrators, printmakers, digital artists, and multidisciplinary makers are all welcome to apply. If you love sharing your process with kids, we'd love to hear from you!

📅 Applications close October 15
🔗 Apply at explorethedc.org/programs/artist-in-residence

Know an artist who'd be perfect for this? Tag them below! 👇

09/25/2026

🎃 ONE WEEK until the monsters take over the museum!

Great Pumpkin Festival 2026 featuring Monsters in the Museum kicks off next Thursday, and we are officially in countdown mode. Three nights, tons of not-too-spooky fun, and a special guest every night!

📅 October 1, 2 & 3 | 5:30–7:30 p.m.

💃 DANCE at the Monster Mash
🦇 MEET your favorite characters
🧛 WEAR your best costume
🎨 ENJOY games, crafts, face painting & food trucks!

🦇 Thursday – Vampirina
🚀 Friday – Buzz Lightyear
🍌 Saturday – a Minion!

🎟️ $15 non-members | $8 members
Grab your tickets at explorethedc.org

Thank you to our sponsors, and Toot's Good Food & Fun! 🧡

09/24/2026

09/21/2026

Today we're saying goodbye to a Discovery Center legend. 💚

It's with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Jack, our beloved Milk Snake and one of the most beloved animal ambassadors we've ever had. Jack joined our DC family over a decade ago and spent his years here charming thousands of visitors with his calm demeanor and impressive mimicry skills.

If you ever met Jack at a party, field trip, or program, you know — he was simply the best at his job. Countless "ooh"s and "aah"s, countless kids (and adults!) who left a little braver about snakes because of him.

He'll be deeply missed by our staff, volunteers, and everyone who got to know him. 🐍 If you have a favorite Jack memory, we'd love for you to share it in the comments.

09/18/2026

In our latest Board Member Spotlight, Susan Wilson, owner of Belle Meadows Farm, shares a family connection to the Discovery Center that goes back more than 30 years — starting with a playdate in 1992 that turned into one of her most unforgettable family stories.

A dedicated supporter of Rutherford County through Leadership Rutherford, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and more, Susan believes in the power of creativity and hands-on learning, and is proud to help strengthen an organization that has shaped generations of her own family.

Read her full Q&A here: https://bit.ly/4h1XVBy

09/14/2026

We're so excited to celebrate this one alongside our neighbors at Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation! 🎉 The new nature-themed playground at Murfree Spring is officially open, and it's the perfect complement to a day at the Discovery Center. Play hard, then stroll the boardwalk — there's so much to explore in this little corner of Murfreesboro. See you out there! 🦫❤️🌳

09/11/2026

Twenty-five years ago today, our nation watched as everyday people became heroes. Firefighters, first responders, neighbors, and strangers ran toward danger to help one another — and in the aftermath, a shaken nation found unity in shared grief and shared hope.

At Discovery Center, we believe part of raising the next generation is making sure they know these stories — not just what was lost, but who we became in response. Today we remember the lives taken, honor the heroes who answered the call, and hold onto the togetherness that carried us through.

Never Forget. 🕊️