The Discovery Center of Springfield
The Discovery Center of Springfield is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit science center in Springfield, Missouri, operating 60,000 square feet of interactive STEM exhibits across 15 galleries. It serves regional families, K-12 schools, homeschool groups, private school families, and event renters through admissions, memberships, accredited STEM schools, summer camps, and facility rentals.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1991
- HeadquartersSpringfield, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What The Discovery Center of Springfield does
The Discovery Center of Springfield (DCS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit science center and educational institution founded in 1991 and headquartered at 438 E St. Louis St., Springfield, Missouri. It operates a 60,000 square foot facility spanning six floors and 15 interactive galleries, featuring hands-on exhibits across topics including dinosaurs (Jurassic Discovery, the largest animatronic dinosaur gallery in the Midwest), the human body (BodyWorks), astronomy (A New Moon Rises), energy, and the only Lu Digital Interactive Playground publicly accessible in North America. The organization combines informal museum learning with formal accredited education through on-site programs: Discovery School (fully accredited private STEM school, pre-K through 12th grade), Science Sprouts Discovery School (early-childhood center for ages 2–6), and informal programs (after-school clubs, summer camps, school day-out care).
Revenue is generated from a diversified mix of streams: general admissions (children $12 / adults $17, with a $2 cash discount), annual memberships (recurring subscription providing free entry and discounts), program fees covering field trips and outreach to K-12 schools ($9 admission + $3-$7 per student for program length), summer camps ($200-$300 per week), private school tuition ($867-$1,083 per month), facility rentals for weddings, corporate events, and birthday parties ($99-$2,700), and charitable donations supporting the nonprofit mission. Distribution operates through the physical venue, on-site delivery, instructor-led classroom outreach across Southwest Missouri, distance-learning virtual outreach, and ASTC reciprocal membership. The customer base spans regional families, K-12 schools and homeschool groups, corporate and individual event renters, and tuition-paying families of the Discovery School.
Strategic positioning emphasizes a hybrid informal-formal education model embedded in a single physical destination, partnerships with NASA, the Smithsonian Institution, and Missouri State University, ASTC reciprocity, and recognition through the $1 million STOP Award (2021), Platinum Transparency Candid seal (2024), and Yass Alumni 2024 designation.
The Discovery Center of Springfield firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Discovery Center of Springfield
- Legal name
- Discovery Center of Springfield, Inc
- Website
- https://discoverycenter.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1991
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- The Discovery Center of Springfield is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit science center in Springfield, Missouri, operating 60,000 square feet of interactive STEM exhibits across 15 galleries. It serves regional families, K-12 schools, homeschool groups, private school families, and event renters through admissions, memberships, accredited STEM schools, summer camps, and facility rentals.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The Discovery Center of Springfield industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Science Museum & Informal STEM Education
- NAICS
- Museums (71211), Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions (712)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Science & Technology Museums (THAJADAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Museums & Heritage Sites (History, Science, Specialty) (BPAGAHAA), Science Camps & Field Programs (Nature, Space, Marine, Geology) (EDAMABAB), STEM, Digital Literacy & Maker Education Nonprofits (BPAGADAG)
Keywords
Where The Discovery Center of Springfield is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Springfield
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
The Discovery Center of Springfield business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- General Admission: Daily admission fees for visitors to the science center exhibits. Children 0-2 free, children 3-15 at $12 ($10 cash discount), adults 16+ at $17 ($15 cash discount). Members and ASTC reciprocal free.
- Memberships: Annual membership passes providing free admission and discounts on programs, camps, and events.
- Educational Programs: Revenue from summer camps, school day out programs, after-school clubs, field trips, outreach programs, and virtual learning programs.
- Facility Rentals: Private event rentals including weddings, corporate events, birthday parties, fundraisers. Spaces include 4th Floor Gallery, Auditorium, Lu Digital Playground, and full/half building rentals.
- Donations: As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, relies on charitable donations to continue educational mission, programs, and exhibits.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | General Admission |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Summer Camps - Discovery Camps (Ages 3-14) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Summer Camps - Crew Camps (Ages 6-12) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Private Camp (Custom) |
| Subscription | Monthly | Science Sprouts Tuition - Potty Trained (3 years+) |
| Subscription | Monthly | Science Sprouts Tuition - Diapered/Potty Training (2-3 years) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Birthday Party Packages |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Facility Rental - 4th Floor |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Facility Rental - Auditorium |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Facility Rental - Full Building After 6pm |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | School Programs - Field Trips |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | School Programs - Outreach |
| Unit Pricing | Weekly | After School Care |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels7 records
Marketing channels5 records
The Discovery Center of Springfield product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Discovery Center of Springfield operates a 60,000 square-foot nonprofit science museum featuring 15 interactive galleries of hands-on STEM exhibits, complemented by accredited private STEM schools (pre-K through 12th grade), summer camps, school field-trip and outreach programs, birthday-party experiences, and facility rentals for private events. The organization generates revenue through admissions, memberships, program fees, facility rentals, and charitable donations.
Product overview
The Discovery Center of Springfield is a nonprofit science center and educational institution offering a multi-product portfolio. The core offerings include the Discovery Center Museum (60,000 sq ft interactive science center with 15 galleries), Discovery School (accredited private STEM school pre-K through 12th grade), and Science Sprouts Discovery School (early childhood education for ages 2-6). Supplementary educational products include Summer of Science camps (Discovery Camps and Crew Camps), School and Group Programs (field trips, outreach, digital outreach), and Informal Education Programs (after school clubs, School Day Out). Additional services include Birthday Party packages with science-themed experiences and Facility Rentals for events. The organization also developed a Personalized Learning App using STOP Award funding. The museum features unique exhibits including the Lu Digital Interactive Playground (the only one in North America accessible to the public) and offers virtual tours.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Science Sprouts Discovery School: Early childhood education center and pre-kindergarten school for children ages 2-6, delivering play and inquiry-based educational experiences
- Discovery School
- Summer of Science
Products and services
- Discovery Center Museum A 60,000-square-foot nonprofit science center with 15 interactive galleries featuring hands-on STEM exhibits on topics including dinosaurs, the human body, astronomy, energy, and immersive play areas; open Tuesday through Sunday with tiered admission pricing.
- Discovery School A fully accredited private STEM-focused school for students from pre-K through 12th grade, offering hands-on exploration, inquiry-based instruction, and individualized academic support.
- Science Sprouts Discovery School An early childhood education center and pre-kindergarten school serving children ages 2-6, delivering play and inquiry-based educational experiences tailored to individual student needs, interests, and developmental stages.
- Summer of Science Camps A STEAM-focused summer camp program offering week-long day camps for children ages 3-14, with Discovery Camps (1:10 ratio) and Crew Camps (1:20 ratio), including optional before/after care and hot lunch add-ons.
- School and Group Programs Standards-aligned educational field trips, in-classroom outreach programs, and virtual outreach delivered to K-12 schools and homeschool groups, aligned with Missouri Learning Standards and Next Generation Science Standards.
- Birthday Parties
Quantifiable outcome
- Served underserved communities during COVID-19 pandemic with transformational education experiences
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use The Discovery Center of Springfield
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
The Discovery Center of Springfield technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
The Discovery Center of Springfield partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- NASAcoreUtilizes NASA's network and resources for educational programming and curriculum development, connecting students to space science and exploration
- Smithsonian InstitutioncoreLeverages Smithsonian connections for educational content and programming aligned with national science standards
- Missouri State UniversitycoreLocal university partnership providing educational resources, internship opportunities, and community connections
- Missouri Department of Economic DevelopmentcoreSupports Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) enabling free STEM education to underserved Missouri students
- Springfield Greene County Office of Emergency ManagementminorPartnership for monthly Prepared, Not Scared Storytime program teaching emergency preparedness to children
- ASTC (Association of Science and Technology Centers)coreMembership provides reciprocal free admission to members from other ASTC centers worldwide
- Springfield-Greene County Library DistrictminorCommunity partner providing library outreach and educational programming collaboration
- Girl Scouts of the Missouri HeartlandminorCommunity partner for scout programming and badge-earning activities
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
The Discovery Center of Springfield competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- The Magic House: St. Louis-based children's museum with hands-on interactive exhibits and educational programming for young children. Highly comparable target audience and hands-on STEM learning model.
- Science City at Union Station: Hands-on science center in Kansas City, MO serving families and school groups with interactive STEM exhibits. Closely comparable in scope, target audience, and regional Missouri/KS reach to the Discovery Center.
- Pacific Science Center: Seattle-based interactive science center with IMAX, planetarium, school programs, and exhibit galleries. Comparable nonprofit STEM museum model with diversified programming and ticketing.
- Discovery Museum (Bridgeport, CT): Connecticut children's science museum focused on hands-on STEM learning for families and school groups. Closely comparable in scale, audience, and informal-education mission.
- Saint Louis Science Center: Larger Midwestern science center with hands-on exhibits, IMAX, school programs, and planetarium. Directly comparable mission and B2B/B2C mix; broader footprint than Discovery Center but same category.
- Carnegie Science Center: Pittsburgh-based hands-on science center serving families and school groups with interactive exhibits and educational programming. Closely comparable exhibit-driven, education-anchored business model.
- OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry): Mid-sized Pacific Northwest science museum combining exhibits, school programs, camps, and a planetarium. Directly comparable operating model across admissions, education, and events.
- Arizona Science Center: Phoenix-based science center with hands-on exhibits, school programs, and IMAX. Comparable urban STEM museum operating model with family and school district customers.
Broad incumbents
- Exploratorium (San Francisco): Internationally recognized hands-on science museum with strong educator resources and a learning lab model. Comparable hands-on STEM philosophy, but at significantly larger scale and reach.
- Museum of Science and Industry (Chicago): Much larger Midwestern science museum with broader exhibit portfolio and national draw. Overlaps in STEM education and family audience but operates at a scale far above the Discovery Center.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
The Discovery Center of Springfield social profiles
Digital presenceThe Discovery Center of Springfield compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance5 records
The Discovery Center of Springfield financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Discovery Center of Springfield leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
The Discovery Center of Springfield subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
The Discovery Center of Springfield funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors2 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Discovery Center of Springfield M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The Discovery Center of Springfield
What does The Discovery Center of Springfield do?
The Discovery Center of Springfield operates a 60,000 square-foot nonprofit science museum featuring 15 interactive galleries of hands-on STEM exhibits, complemented by accredited private STEM schools (pre-K through 12th grade), summer camps, school field-trip and outreach programs, birthday-party experiences, and facility rentals for private events. The organization generates revenue through admissions, memberships, program fees, facility rentals, and charitable donations.
Is The Discovery Center of Springfield a public or private company?
The Discovery Center of Springfield is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was The Discovery Center of Springfield founded?
The Discovery Center of Springfield was founded in 1991. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is The Discovery Center of Springfield based?
The Discovery Center of Springfield is headquartered in Springfield, United States, in the North America region.
How does The Discovery Center of Springfield make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. General Admission is the primary driver. The others are memberships, educational Programs, facility Rentals and donations.
Who are The Discovery Center of Springfield's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are The Magic House, Science City at Union Station, Pacific Science Center, Discovery Museum (Bridgeport, CT), Saint Louis Science Center, Carnegie Science Center, OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry) and Arizona Science Center. Broad incumbents are Exploratorium (San Francisco) and Museum of Science and Industry (Chicago).
Does The Discovery Center of Springfield have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Discovery Center of Springfield.
What industry is The Discovery Center of Springfield in?
The Discovery Center of Springfield's product category is Science Museum & Informal STEM Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAJADAD, Science & Technology Museums, with a secondary code of BPAGAHAA, Museums & Heritage Sites (History, Science, Specialty). Its NAICS code is 71211.