Dec. 14, 2020 – We are excited to announce plans for 2021. While the year will be very different than it would have been without the challenges brought on by COVID-19, we continue to implement tactics that allow us to enthusiastically continue our mission of inspiring children and adults to see beyond.

One popular opportunity that will return in 2021 is free admission for children 17 and under for the month of January, thanks to the generosity of our annual gallery sponsors ATA Accounting Firm, Magnolia Place Assisted Living, Simmons Bank and Southern Machinery Repair.

One of our most recent additions, “AgriCulture: Innovating for Our Survival,” opened Dec. 5, 2020 and is located in the Simmons Bank Ag Center. This one-million-dollar permanent exhibit  tells the story of farming innovation in the past, present—and especially—future. Guests experience how food, fuel and fiber get from the farm to the family as they learn about the role of innovation in the field of international agriculture today.

There will be several temporary exhibits among the galleries at Discovery Park in 2021.  “Southern Artist Showcase: The Caldwell Collection, Works by Southern Self-taught Artists” can be seen March 4 through Sept. 27. The exhibit showcases some of the art from the collection of the West Tennessee Regional Art Center. Included will be works of art by Jimmy Lee Sudduth, Helen La France and Sulton Rogers. “Self-taught Southern artists have in common a powerful belief that they simply are artists. Most seem driven to express themselves visually. Some work within established traditions, while many others create their own distinct art forms,” said Bill Hickerson, executive director of the center.

“40 Chances: Finding Hope in a Hungry World” will be on display July 21 through Sept. 6. This powerful exhibit features 40 photographs by philanthropist and farmer Howard G. Buffett that document the world hunger crisis. Traveling to more than 137 countries, Buffett turned his camera lens on the powerful forces that fuel hunger and poverty. Buffett believes that each of us has about 40 chances to accomplish our life goals, just as farmers have about 40 growing seasons to improve their harvests.

“The Fascinating World of Murray Hudson’s Globes and Maps” opens on Dec. 2, 2021 and will be on display through March 1, 2022. It features globes and maps on loan from Murray Hudson’s collection of more than 40,000 objects. He has collected for many years and currently owns and operates Murray Hudson Antique Maps, Globes, Books, & Prints in Halls, Tenn. The exhibit will include examples of vintage globes and maps from different eras that reflect what the world was like at the point in time in history when they were produced. Sponsored by Conley and Conley Law Firm.

While some of our live concert events and indoor programs are postponed until they can be held safely, a lot of our events can be held while following recommended health and safety guidelines. We are excited to announce that by popular demand “Pumpkin Village” will return in 2021, and the “Let It Glow” light show will return with a new component where guests can walk through a portion of the light show.

“The leadership team of Discovery Park takes very seriously the challenge of providing a safe experience for our guests who come to northwest Tennessee from literally around the world,” said Scott Williams, Discovery Park’s president and CEO. “Although the schedule looks a little different than in previous years, we’re excited about the exhibits and events we are able to host in 2021.”

For a full list of events, visit Discovery Park 2021 Calendar.