Making Waves: A Fresh New Look for the Discovery Center’s Water Zone
A beloved space is getting a science-forward upgrade focused on Alaska’s dynamic natural world
April 17, 2025
For more than 15 years, the Anchorage Museum’s Discovery Center has been a favorite for visitors of all ages—especially young learners eager to roll up their sleeves and dive into hands-on play. In Spring 2025, the Water Zone section of this popular space begins an exciting transformation that will bring fresh energy, interactive learning, and a deeper focus on Alaska’s unique environment. It’s all part of a Discovery Center refresh happening this year.
The refreshed Water Zone will examine how water shapes and defines Alaska’s landscape by focusing on three of the state’s most dynamic natural systems. Visitors will learn about the role of rivers and glaciers in sculpting Southcentral Alaska, the powerful tidal forces of the region—including the rare and awe-inspiring bore tide—and the science of snow as a solid form of water, from snowpack formation to the conditions that can trigger avalanches. These updates begin in late-April with a new exhibit looking at the huge tides of Cook Inlet and Turnagain Arm. Opening in mid-May, the exhibit will be highlighted by an interactive experience for viewers to “surf” the Turnagain Arm bore tide. Additional new exhibits and a fully transformed Water Zone will follow in Fall 2025, with interactives focused on river systems, snowpack, and avalanches, all planned for a full unveiling by late November. Specific closures to the Water Zone will limited to late-April through mid-May, and again from mid-September through early-November. The Discovery Center remains open during the TOTE Water Zone refresh, with only minimal disruption in that specific area while the work is being done.
Why the Refresh?
Science is always evolving—and so are we. As part of our ongoing effort to keep the Discovery Center current, relevant, and aligned with the latest educational practices, we’re updating the Discovery Center with new experiences highlighting the sciences and processes that make Alaska’s what it is today.
The new exhibits will focus on natural systems that shape our state—like glaciers, bore tides, snow, and watersheds—offering visitors immersive ways to explore how water connects to the land and to life.
“This refresh is about more than updating content,” Aaron Slonecker, Director of the Discovery Center. “It’s about designing a space that reflects what visitors are curious about today, and how they want to learn—through discovery, hands-on exploration, and connection to place.”
What to Expect
When the Discovery Center reopens in 2025, visitors can look forward to:
- New interactive exhibits inspired by Alaska’s snow, glaciers, and tidal systems
- Updated technology and hands-on features to support deeper learning
- A more cohesive space that ties together land and water processes
- Opportunities for expanded programming and educational activities
Looking Ahead
Refreshing exhibitions like the Water Zone is a common practice in science centers. It helps keep spaces exciting, reflects the latest research, and ensures there’s always something new to discover.
“We know our visitors value fresh experiences,” says Slonecker. “This transformation is an opportunity to tell the story of Alaska’s incredible natural forces in a new and inspiring way.”
We can’t wait to share what’s next.
This Discovery Center TOTE Water Zone refresh is made possible with support from TOTE, Matson, Copper Point Insurance, Atwood Foundation, Anchorage Museum Foundation, Knobby and Mary Ellen Segelhorst Fund for Children, Katherine and Gregory Jernstrom, and Rick and Cyndi Fox Foundation.
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