Baltimore, MD — October 22, 2025 — Port Discovery Children’s Museum cut the ribbon today on two new interactive exhibits, Galactic Builders and SKIES. Opening to the general public on Friday, October 24, 2025, they mark the first phase of a multi-year renovation to transform the museum into a next-generation learning hub for children, families, and educators across Maryland.
Galactic Builders is a 1,788-square-foot space-themed environment introducing children to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The exhibit encourages extended play and experimentation, fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity.
Highlights of Galactic Builders include:
- Rocket Launches: Kids build and launch their own miniature rockets, exploring the forces of gravity, thrust, and aerodynamics.
- Rover Design and Testing: Families collaborate to design rovers capable of exploring new planetary terrains.
- Parachute Experiments: Children test different parachute designs, comparing results and developing systems thinking.
- Engineering Challenges: Rotating activities guide children to explore how parts of a system interact and how innovative solutions come to life.
- Galactic Builders aims to help children think like scientists and engineers while promoting teamwork and inquiry-based learning.
For children and families seeking a quieter, more reflective play environment, SKIES offers a fully immersive, 2,250-square-foot exhibit inspired by the beauty of the sky’s daily journey from sunrise to sunset. Incorporating soft colors, gentle motion, and nature-inspired design, SKIES provides therapeutic opportunities for play, rest, and curiosity-driven exploration.
Highlights of SKIES include:
- Reading Nooks: Cozy spaces filled with books that build literacy skills and inspire positive character development.
- Pillow and Blanket Forts: Children design and assemble imaginative shelters, building fine motor skills while engaging in creative play.
- Rest and Recharge Zone: A quiet area where children and caregivers can relax and recalibrate in a low-stimulation environment.
- Sky-Inspired Experiences: Visuals of sunrises, sunsets, clouds, and moonlight provide gentle sensory engagement that sparks observation and wonder.
- Social-Emotional Support: Activities designed to foster mindfulness, focus, cooperation, and self-soothing.
“These openings mark an important milestone in Port Discovery’s journey of growth and renewal,” said Carter Arnot Polakoff, President & CEO of Port Discovery Children’s Museum. “Our vision is to create a museum that adapts to the needs of today’s families—offering joyful, interactive learning experiences that spark creativity and curiosity while ensuring every child feels welcome. Galactic Builders and SKIES are the first of many steps toward a reimagined Port Discovery that will continue to serve Baltimore and beyond for generations to come.”
Located on the third floor of the museum, the two new exhibits add more than 4,500 square feet of reimagined interactive space, offering both stimulating and calming environments for all types of learners. In the coming years, additional exhibits and redesigned spaces will expand the museum’s vision of a dynamic, inclusive learning lab where families return again and again to learn, create, and connect through play.
These exhibits have been generously funded by major community supporters, including the Harvey M. Meyerhoff Fund, the Ensign C. Markland Kelly, Jr. Memorial Foundation, The Kahlert Foundation, and the Samuel G. & Margaret A. Gorn Foundation.
Visuals of Galactic Builders and SKIES
Media Contacts:
Sara Warfield
410-952-1271
Sara@SaraWarfieldCommunications.com
Deborah Greengold
410-864-2684
dgreengold@portdiscovery.org
About Port Discovery Children’s Museum Port Discovery Children’s Museum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing unique, interactive learning experiences that inspire imagination and foster growth. Located in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, Port Discovery has been recognized as one of the nation’s top children’s museums, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors annually to explore, play, and learn together. For more information, visit www.PortDiscovery.org or follow @portdiscovery on social media.
