The Story

Creative Discovery Museum is a pioneering leader, igniting children's passion for learning through play. From Chattanooga to nationwide outreach, we engage the senses and inspire exploration.

Our Mission

To inspire all children to explore, innovate, create, and play.

Our Vision

To make our community the best place for a child to grow up.

Our Values

The Museum practices these values to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.

+ belonging

CDM is a place where all are accepted and belong. We are here for everybody. And we mean everybody.

+ Exceptional Service

We go above and beyond to create memorable experiences for children and families through service that exceeds expectations. Exceptional service begins with staff and volunteers serving each other.

+ potential

Learning and growth take place when a person's potential is realized, celebrated, and nurtured. We provide the sparks that help people discover their potential.

+ Relationships

Our work is done through interacting with children and families, collaborating and partnering with the community, and developing camaraderie with staff. Meaningful moments lead to meaningful relationships.

+ Respect

We expect staff, guests, and volunteers to respect our values, our environment, our exhibits, and more importantly, to treat each other with kindness. Through respect, we create a safe space for all.

‍Research has long proven that play is the work of childhood. Through play, children gain mental, physical, and social skills necessary to succeed in their adult lives. CDM is a nonprofit organization, prime tourist attraction, the region’s expert in experiential learning and a vital educational resource collaborating with community partners across our region.

Our Museum History

In 1989, the idea for Creative Discovery Museum (CDM) was sparked during discussions at the Hunter Museum of American Art. As the museum’s board explored the possibility of adding a children’s wing, a broader vision emerged—one that would lead to the creation of an independent children’s museum, playing a pivotal role in the revitalization of downtown Chattanooga as "the gateway to downtown." By 1992, CDM was officially incorporated, and three years later, in 1995, its doors opened to the public.

From the beginning, CDM set itself apart as a multi-disciplinary educational institution, using hands-on exhibits and interactive programs to engage children in art, music, science, and technology. Its rapid evolution was marked by strategic growth, including the acquisition of the News Channel 9 Science Theater in 2004. Originally housed in Northgate Mall, the theater became a cornerstone of CDM’s science education initiatives before relocating to the Museum’s main campus in 2010.

In 2005, CDM finished a major renovation as part of the city's 21st Century Waterfront Plan, introducing new exhibits that deepened the Museum’s commitment to playful learning. The transformation included the launch of RiverPlay, an outdoor rooftop exhibit exploring simple machines, and Buzz Alley.

Over the years, CDM has solidified its reputation as one of Chattanooga’s most dynamic cultural resources, earning national recognition for innovation and excellence. Accolades include six national awards from the Institute of Museum and Library Science (IMLS) and best practices distinctions from the Association of Children’s Museums. The Museum has also been named among the best children’s museums by Child Magazine (ranked 13th in 2002) and Trekaroo (ranked 7th in 2015). Locally, it was honored as Chattanooga’s “Best of the Best” Museum in 2019, 2023, and 2024.

Beyond its exhibits and programs, CDM has championed accessibility and inclusion. It was the first museum in Tennessee to join the Museums for All initiative, providing significantly reduced admission for families in the EBT program. In 2019, it became a certified KultureCity® Sensory Inclusive™ organization, ensuring that children with special needs can comfortably engage with exhibits. That same year, CDM was selected as one of only six institutions to join the Cultural Competence Learning Institute, furthering its commitment to inclusive learning.

Through decades of growth and transformation, Creative Discovery Museum remains a leader in hands-on, explorative learning—continuing to inspire curiosity, creativity, and discovery in children and families throughout Chattanooga and beyond.

About Us