The Museum & the 2022 Durham County Bond

Creating Next-Generation Learning at the Museum

A $14 million bond referendum on the ballot in November 2022 will help transform the Museum of Life and Science as it grows and expands toward its ninth decade serving Durham with educational experiences for all. As one of the highest-rated nonprofits in the region, the Museum relies on the support of visitors, Members, and the community to continue to provide one-of-a-kind experiences to more than half a million visitors a year.

Learn more about the Museum’s commitment to Durham

A boy acts with surprise as he launches a paper cup through a tube.

Where the bond support will go

A group of school children gathers around a bowl and touches a cloud like fog.

Create, reinvent, and renew learning environments to inspire tomorrow’s leaders

$7.5 million to reimagine and build new learning environments focused on climate change, technological innovation, and health sciences. These innovative, educational, state-of-the-industry exhibits will explore our generation’s most significant scientific challenges and opportunities.

Man holds a little girl up in the air to look at the tropical plants.

Revitalize Museum infrastructure and improve accessibility to better serve Durham

$6.5 million for accessibility enhancements across campus, visitor infrastructure improvements, and renovation of dining and meeting areas to better serve guests. These improvements will also help create a greener, more sustainable Museum that reduces its environmental impact.

Key projects planned for 2022 – 2026

Create all-new exhibits on both floors of the main building, with emphasis on climate change, biosciences, and technology (these will likely replace Weather, Math Moves, and Investigate Health exhibits)
Renovate and expand the Sprout Café to provide more seating, faster service, and improved kitchen facilities to meet visitors’ needs better, along with a new outdoor kitchen education space
Renovations and improvements to Mercury Meeting Room, our largest venue space, will allow for better events and educational programs at the Museum
Adding lighting around campus to make more evening events and programs possible. The lighting will comply with “dark sky” standards that will limit light pollution
Expand the use of photovoltaic equipment at Butterfly House and warehouse to reduce the Museum’s energy needs
Installation of upgraded HVAC systems for better airflow
Other infrastructure upgrades and accessibility improvements around campus

Adult and child in Aerospace gallery using the turntable.

Why support the Museum?

We’re committed to Durham communities, creating more special learning programs, educational partnerships with Durham Public Schools, and free visitation days for Durham residents.

We’re working to create a more accessible Museum that breaks down cultural, physical, and socio-economic barriers to make it enjoyable for all visitors.

We make a significant impact on the local economy. Discover Durham estimates that the Museum generates an annual economic impact of $47.5 million on the region. Your support will help the Museum evolve and expand, which will strengthen our regional economic impact.