It is our mission to: inspire children of all ages to imagine, discover, and connect with their world to make a difference. We do so through innovative and educational programming and hands-on exhibits and activities.

Description:
Discovery Gateway (DG) offers a stimulating, interactive environment for children and families to discover the delight of learning about art, science and the world around them through imaginative play and hands-on activities. Children of all ages develop creative problem solving skills while exploring the more than 140 permanent exhibits and through innovative daily programming. The Museum’s inquiry-based outreach programs are presented to hundreds of schools and communities throughout Utah, reaching approximately 40,000 students yearly. Over 100,000 visitors annually participate in DG programming and help fulfill its mission to inspire children of all ages to imagine, discover and connect with their world to make a difference.

History:
Believing that children learn best by doing and inspired by the success of other children’s museums, a passionate and dedicated group of parents, educators, and community leaders founded The Children’s Museum of Utah (now Discovery Gateway) in 1978. Since DG opened its doors to the public in 1983, it has consistently and progressively grown in size, program diversity and attendance. From the beginning, children’s opinions have informed DG’s decision-making process and young people continue to be valued board members and advisors.

Because of growing demand for services, but bounded by the walls of its current location in a restored building listed on the national historical register, it was inevitable that the Museum would need to find a new home. In 2001, TCMU partnered with Junior Achievement of Utah and initiated a capital campaign to fully realize its potential as a vital community resource and become a state-of-the-art discovery center. To reflect these exciting changes, the TCMU in its new location will be called Discovery Gateway.

Contact people:

Michelle Walk, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email) Nicki Claeys, Program Manager, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (801) 456-5440

Address:

444 West 100 South Salt Lake City, UT 84101 (See a map)

Web Site: http://discoverygateway.org

Directions:

In the Gateway Mall on the south end next to Abercrombie & Fitch.   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: Delta Center Station,   Walk distance (in minutes): 3   Nearest Bus Stop: 301 West South Temple, 3 minute walk