Creative Discovery Museum kicks off its 25th year with its first ever capital campaign – Ignite Discovery: Creating the new CDM. The Museum and its investors are undertaking a $10 million dollar campaign to fund comprehensive renovations of its 43,000 square foot facility. The initiative is centered on three goals to ensure CDM "remains a leader in experiential learning, a gathering place for all children and a gateway to a vibrant downtown Chattanooga. To date, nearly $5.6 million has been raised from business and community leaders."
Ignite Discovery addresses community challenges that were identified in a 2018 Feasibility Study conducted by POWER 10, an Atlanta-based fundraising firm assisting with the campaign, which includes strengthening early childhood education and science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) learning, increasing access for all children regardless of background and ability and helping revitalize the Riverfront District.
In addition to facility renovations, this campaign addresses each of the needs by updating and installing new exhibits, expanding outreach programs and creating a new, vibrant urban space on the CDM Plaza.
“The Museum has served our community well for the last 25 years,” said Henry Schulson, executive director. “To advance our vision and mission, we must invest in our building, exhibits and outreach programs so that the next generation has high quality, hands-on learning experiences in the arts and sciences that are imperative to the development of every child.”
"CDM plays a critical role in school readiness and educational attainment," officials said. "Emerging research clearly demonstrates that out-of-school STEM experiences, like CDM offers, increase interest in STEM topics and careers and contribute to student success.
"In addition, CDM contributes to the quality of life throughout the region and is a key differentiator in helping Chattanooga deliver on its 'family-friendly' promise. CDM’s outreach and free admission programs make it one of the most accessible cultural organizations in the city. An economic study conducted by Dr. Bento Lobo, distinguished professor of finance at UTC’s Gary W. Rollins College of Business, estimates that as a result of this expansion CDM’s impact will exceed $26.8 million annually during the renovation."
“As a unique part of Chattanooga’s culture and a dynamic education asset, the Museum reinforces our commitment to children and families,” said Mayor Andy Berke. “It is important that we continue to invest in our Riverfront so that it remains a fresh and vital part of our community.”
Since opening its doors in 1995, CDM has welcomed over 5 million visitors. It has been nationally-ranked by Trekaroo and Child magazines. CDM received the CICL Pinnacle Award for its work in biofuels distance learning lessons. Locally, CDM was named Best Museum in the Best of the Best competition and was a 2019 Nonprofit of the Year finalist. In addition, CDM was the first organization in Tennessee to participate in Museums for All, a national initiative that encourages cultural organizations to provide significantly reduced admissions to families that receive food assistance.