It’s liftoff time for Discovery Place Science exhibit

ABOVE AND BEYOND

Journey into outer space and explore cutting-edge solutions to see if you can eliminate the most orbital debris surrounding Earth in “Above and Beyond,” an exhibition opening at Discovery Place Science on Oct. 18.

Discovery Place Science is taking flight with an aerospace exhibit.

The Oct. 18 opening of “Above and Beyond” journeys explores the cosmos with an interactive exhibit produced by Evergreen Exhibitions in association with Boeing, through a collaboration with NASA and the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. 

The exhibit, which goes through April 19, 2026, recognizes innovations that have shaped flight – from the Wright brothers to space exploration and aviation technology.

“‘Above and Beyond’ isn’t just an exhibition, it’s an experience designed to inspire wonder across generations,” said Catherine Wilson Horne, Discovery Place’s president and CEO. “This exhibition invites our community to discover how aerospace innovations have shaped our world, from the earliest days of flight to the cutting edge of space exploration. It’s a chance to dream bigger, think farther and imagine what comes next.”

The exhibit is a hands-on exploration of air and space travel through simulations, design challenges and storytelling of the history and future of aerospace. “Above and Beyond” starts in a wraparound immersive theater, then spreads into five galleries with distinctive themes and interactive stations. Among them are:

• Riding a simulated space elevator to the edge of space

• The design and testing of a supersonic jet in a virtual high-speed flying challenge

• A motion-sensing group flying experience that simulates the forces of flight

• The science of lift, drag and propulsion through augmented reality 

“Sparking an interest in the wonder of aerospace at an early age is a priority for Boeing, and the ‘Above and Beyond’ exhibition provides future engineers, pilots or astronauts with an interactive glimpse into how they can achieve their dreams and inspires them to pursue careers in science and technology,” said Todd Citron Ph.D., chief technology officer and vice president and general manager of Boeing Research & Technology.  

“Above and Beyond” will be open daily and Discovery Place Science will have programming highlighting aeronautics from flight mechanics of animals to early airplanes and the future of space exploration. 

Programs include building hydroponic gardens for growing food in space; hands-on engineering challenges in the forces of flight and the roles of aviation maintenance technicians; and how the forces of pressure, suction, force and air pressure impact where we live.

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