Why you should experience Project Build at Discovery Place Science in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Project Build turns imagination into action, a hands-on workshop where science and creativity collide in a burst of invention.
This dynamic makerspace invites visitors of all ages to design, construct, and test their own creations using real tools and materials. From cardboard bridges that must withstand weight to wind-powered cars racing across the floor, every project teaches core principles of engineering and physics through play. The space buzzes with the sound of brainstorming and collaboration, children problem-solving beside parents, sparks of curiosity lighting up as prototypes take shape. It's where Discovery Place Science transforms learning into doing, and doing into discovery.
What you didn't know about Project Build at Discovery Place Science.
Project Build is built around the philosophy of “learn by making.”
Inspired by engineering design labs and fabrication studios, the space was developed to nurture problem-solving skills through tactile experimentation. Facilitators known as “Makers” guide guests through challenges that evolve daily, from creating gliders that can survive turbulent airflow to constructing structures that balance perfectly under pressure. Materials are intentionally simple: paper, tape, dowels, and recycled parts, encouraging creativity within constraints. The exhibit also introduces young visitors to the iterative process behind engineering: design, test, fail, and rebuild. It's a safe space for failure, a playground for curiosity, and an incubator for future innovators who learn that the best ideas often come from the messiest tables.
How to fold Project Build at Discovery Place Science into your trip.
Make Project Build your mid-visit recharge point at Discovery Place Science, it's a place to get hands-on after the sensory overload of the more immersive exhibits.
Arrive with a bit of time, since projects can take anywhere from 10 to 45 minutes depending on your level of ambition. Pair this stop with the Thinker Space Lab nearby to continue exploring design and invention concepts. For families, try one of the team-building challenges where everyone contributes to a single creation, it's one of the most memorable bonding experiences in the museum. If you're visiting during a special event weekend, keep an eye out for themed builds tied to current scientific topics like robotics, sustainability, or flight. The Project Build Zone proves that innovation isn't reserved for labs and corporations, it begins with anyone willing to pick up a pair of scissors, take a risk, and see what happens next.
Hear it from the Foresyte community.
“One exhibit shocked me so hard I actually yelped. A group of kids laughed like they'd been waiting for it.”
Where your story begins.
Start your planning journey with Foresyte Travel.
Discover immersive stories crafted for luxury travelers.
