Port Discovery Opens Two New Exhibits With Third On the Way

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Port Discovery Children’s Museum cut the ribbon on two new exhibits, “Galactic Builders” and “Skies,” on Wednesday, Oct. 22. The exhibits will open to the public on Friday, Oct. 24.

“Galactic Builders” is a space-themed STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) exhibit featuring interactive experiments for young visitors, such as building and launching their own rockets. Meanwhile, “Skies” is a sensory-friendly area with an aesthetic inspired by the sky at different times throughout the day, meant to provide a more low-key, relaxing space for visitors who want to take a moment to relax.

These two exhibits are part of the museum’s five-year expansion plan. More exhibits are also on the way: in April, the museum announced at its annual Play it Forward fundraiser that it would be receiving a $2.5 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. for the creation of a new exhibit.

“Joyful Steps,” inspired by Baltimore’s urban landscape and themed around the emotion of joy, will be the name of the new exhibit, funded as part of The Association of Children’s Museum’s (ACM) “Fostering Character Through Children’s Museums” initiative. ACM and Lilly Endowment Inc. are working with 23 children’s museums across the country to fund exhibits meant to foster positive traits in children such as teamwork, kindness and empathy.

The Lilly grant comes at an opportune time, given the difficulty of many museums across the country navigating federal funding in flux. Donations from museum guests and philanthropic groups have become more important as a result.

“Like many museums, libraries and nonprofits across this country, we are facing an impact from significant shifts in federal and public funding,” says Port Discovery CEO Carter Polakoff at the Play It Forward fundraiser in April. “This incredible gift is going to support the creation of an exhibit dedicated to something every child deserves: joy. … This exhibit will offer children and families the chance to explore the concept of joy and reflect on its role in shaping who we are and who we want to become.”

“Joyful Steps” is expected to be completed over two years of construction.

Funds raised through Play It Forward also contribute to Port Discovery’s At Play Learning Institute (APLI) program, which works to integrate play-based learning into Maryland’s early childhood education offerings. APLI currently operates in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard and Frederick counties.

The program helps train educators and community partner organizations, as well as support research into the benefits of play for children’s mental and emotional development.

“Across the country right now, children’s museums are really having their moment,” Polakoff says. “These places aren’t just about fun experiences; they’re learning labs. They’re safe places to come together over the power of play.”