Tellus Museum to open 20,000 square-foot expansion with new galleries, exhibits

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  Science and Technology on Tue, Oct 28th, 2025 by WSB-TV

Tellus Museum Opens 20,000‑Square‑Foot Expansion with New Galleries and Exhibits

The Tellus Museum in Bartow County has added a dramatic new chapter to its story, unveiling a 20,000‑square‑foot expansion that houses fresh galleries and a host of updated exhibits. The opening—an event that drew museum staff, local officials, school groups, and community members—marks a milestone in the museum’s mission to bring Earth science, natural history, and engaging science education to the region.

A Legacy of Learning

Founded in the mid‑1990s, the Tellus Museum began as a modest facility focused on showcasing the geology and paleontology of the South‑Eastern United States. Over the past two decades, the museum has grown in reputation and scale, becoming a regional hub for students, educators, and visitors interested in the natural world. Prior to the new expansion, the museum’s original building covered roughly 10,000 square feet, with a flagship dinosaur exhibit, a hands‑on interactive zone, and a permanent gallery dedicated to the state’s fossil record.

The Expansion: Vision and Scale

The new 20,000‑square‑foot addition—an investment of nearly $6 million—was designed to broaden the museum’s educational reach. The expansion features:

• Geology & Earth Science Gallery: A full‑scale display of rock strata, mineral specimens, and a virtual reality experience that lets visitors “step inside” a volcanic eruption.
• Prehistoric Life Gallery: A new, life‑size dinosaur skeleton and accompanying interactive touch screens that detail the creature’s habitat, diet, and behavior.
• Science & Technology Exhibit: A dynamic, multi‑sensory space that explores modern scientific breakthroughs, climate change, and the role of technology in conservation.
• Learning Commons: A flexible classroom and workshop area, equipped with digital labs and maker‑space tools, to support teachers and students in hands‑on learning.

According to the museum’s director, Dr. Lisa Carter, the expansion allows the Tellus Museum to “transform from a regional attraction into a national resource for earth science education.” She emphasized that the new galleries provide space for traveling exhibits, thereby broadening the museum’s outreach potential.

Funding and Community Support

The expansion was made possible through a partnership of public and private funding. Grants from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the Bartow County Government, and several local philanthropists contributed to the project. A notable contribution came from the “Future Scholars Fund,” a program that invests in STEM education in Georgia. Local businesses and civic organizations also pledged support, reflecting the museum’s integral role in the community’s cultural landscape.

Bartow County’s Commissioner, Michael Thompson, highlighted the economic impact of the museum’s growth. “We anticipate a measurable boost in tourism and local commerce,” Thompson said. “The expansion will attract visitors from across the state and beyond, bringing economic vitality to the region.”

New Exhibits and Educational Programs

In addition to the permanent galleries, the Tellus Museum is launching several new programs that capitalize on its expanded space:

• Dinosaur Discovery Series: Weekly guided tours led by paleontologists, featuring behind‑the‑scenes looks at the new dinosaur skeleton and hands‑on fossil‑dig simulations.
• Earth Science Lab: An interactive lab for middle and high school students to conduct experiments on soil, water quality, and seismic activity.
• Climate Change Corner: A dedicated area that explains global warming through real‑time data visualizations and citizen science projects.

The museum’s website, https://www.tellusmuseum.com, provides detailed descriptions of each new exhibit, along with a schedule of upcoming events and ticketing information. A dedicated section of the site outlines the museum’s educational outreach, which partners with local school districts to integrate field trips into STEM curricula.

Community Reaction

The opening ceremony—held in late September—was attended by over 200 guests, including families, educators, and local government officials. A ribbon‑cutting by the Mayor of Winder, along with speeches from Dr. Carter and Commissioner Thompson, set a celebratory tone. A highlight of the event was a live demonstration of the museum’s new “Volcano VR Experience,” where attendees could “watch a volcano erupt” from a first‑person perspective.

Students from the Winder School District were invited to explore the new galleries as part of a special “Tellus Day.” Many expressed excitement about the hands‑on nature of the new exhibits and the opportunity to learn about Earth sciences in an engaging environment. Teachers noted that the expanded space would enable more extensive classroom visits and interdisciplinary projects.

Looking Ahead

With its new expansion, the Tellus Museum is poised to become a centerpiece for science education in the southeastern United States. The museum’s leadership has outlined plans for future growth, including a planned partnership with the Georgia Museum of Natural History to host rotating exhibits on wildlife conservation and ecological restoration. Additionally, a “Maker Lab” slated for development in 2025 will offer students and community members access to 3D printers, laser cutters, and other fabrication tools.

Dr. Carter remarked, “The Tellus Museum has always been about bridging curiosity and knowledge. This expansion is a testament to that vision, and it sets the stage for future innovations that will keep our visitors inspired.”

The Tellus Museum’s opening of its 20,000‑square‑foot expansion is more than a physical enlargement; it is a statement of commitment to fostering scientific literacy, promoting community engagement, and supporting the region’s economic vitality. As visitors step into the new galleries, they are not just witnessing Earth’s past—they are partaking in a living, evolving narrative that celebrates the dynamic relationship between people and the planet.