What Tellus Science Museum does

Tellus Science Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit science museum located in Cartersville, Georgia, operating as a program of Georgia Museums, Inc. since opening on January 12, 2009. The museum delivers interactive science education across geology, paleontology, astronomy, transportation technology, and physical sciences through permanent galleries (Fossil Gallery, Weinman Mineral Gallery, Millar Science in Motion Gallery, Collins Family My Big Backyard), the Bentley Planetarium, Tellus Observatory, Fossil Dig, Gem Panning attraction, the Frank Mayo research library, and the outdoor Czahor Solar System Trail. It maintains a permanent collection of over 17,000 objects and has welcomed nearly 3 million visitors cumulatively, with 200,000+ reached annually and 45,000+ students participating in school programs each year.

The museum's core technical assets include specialized facilities such as the digital Bentley Planetarium, solar-capable observatory, UV-filtered gem-panning water system, and the only publicly displayed scholarly-accurate Deinosuchus schwimmeri skeleton. It also operates the non-circulating Frank Mayo Library and supports traveling educational trunks (Fossils, Rocks, Minerals kits) distributed to K-12 classrooms. Notable recent exhibits include the Mazes and Brain Games traveling exhibit (2026) and the installation of the Deinosuchus schwimmeri skeleton replica. Partnerships span Smithsonian Institution (artifact loans), NASA (moon rock exhibits and Ambassador support), Vulcan Materials Company (gem-panning title sponsor), Bank of America (Museums on Us program), General Motors Heritage Collection (EV-1 loan), Georgia State University, and academic collaborators.

Tellus generates revenue through multiple streams: general admissions ($16-$20 per visitor), tiered annual memberships ($85 Individual to $500 Patron, plus GMI cross-museum bundles up to $565), tax-deductible donations including the Innovation Society major-donor tiers ($1,000-$10,000+), school field trips ($12/student with planetarium add-ons), summer camps, workshops, scout programs, traveling trunk security deposits, and on-site retail/cafe operations. The museum receives no state or local funding. Its go-to-market is hybrid: direct-to-consumer walk-in and membership sales at the physical site, plus organized sales to K-12 schools, homeschool networks, scout troops, summer groups, and corporate partners across the Southeast U.S.

Name

Tellus Science Museum

Legal name

Georgia Museums, Inc.

Website

https://tellusmuseum.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Tellus Science Museum is a 501(c)(3) science museum in Cartersville, Georgia that delivers interactive STEM education through permanent galleries, a planetarium, observatory, and hands-on exhibits, serving families, K-12 schools, homeschoolers, scouts, and summer-camp attendees across the U.S. Southeast.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Science Museum

NAICS

Museums (712110)

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), Hands-on Science Exploration & Experiments (Lab Kits, Science Clubs) (EDAMABAA)

Keywords

• Science museum exhibits
• Planetarium observatory programs
• STEM education field trips
• Paleontology mineral collections
• Interactive science learning

Headquarters

HQ city

Cartersville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. General Admission: Walk-in visitors pay admission fees: Adults $20, Children (3-17) $16, Students with ID $16, Active Military free, Seniors (65+) $18. This is the primary revenue stream for daily museum operations.
2. Museum Memberships: Annual subscription memberships with tiered pricing: Individual $85, Individual Plus $115, Family $140, Family Plus $195, Grandparent $140, Grandparent Plus $195, Patron $500. Also available as GMI Packages bundling Tellus with Savoy Automobile Museum, Booth Western Art Museum, and Bartow History Museum.
3. Donations and Contributions: Tax-deductible donations supporting museum operations, exhibits, educational programming, and collections. Includes online donations, tribute gifts, gifts of stock, and planned giving. As a non-profit with no state or local funding, donations are critical to operations.
4. Educational Programs - Field Trips: School field trip programs at $12 per student with minimum 15 students. Additional revenue from planetarium add-ons ($2.50), additional chaperones ($20), and indoor lunch room rental ($250).
5. Science Explorer Summer Camps: Week-long summer camps for children ages 5-9 and 9-13: Members $170, Non-Members $200. Additional before/after care not currently available.
6. Workshops and Special Programs: Ticketed workshops including Build + Blast Model Rocket Workshop: Members $30, Non-members $45. Scout programs at $18 per scout. Sensory Friendly Mornings free for members.
7. Traveling Trunks: Free educational kit loans requiring $50 refundable security deposit. Kits include specimens, lesson plans, videos, and activity materials for K-12 instruction.
8. Ticket Donations for Fundraising: Non-profit ticket donations of 4 museum passes + 4 planetarium admissions with retail value of $100 for other non-profits' fundraising events.
9. Retail Store and Cafe: On-site store selling science-related merchandise and cafe providing food and beverages to visitors.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels11 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

Tellus Science Museum operates a non-profit science museum in Cartersville, Georgia, offering permanent galleries on paleontology, minerals, transportation technology, and physical sciences, plus the Bentley Planetarium, Tellus Observatory, Fossil Dig, and Gem Panning attractions. The museum runs extensive educational programming including field trips, summer camps, scout programs, traveling trunks, virtual field trips, and Lunch + Learn lectures, all aligned to Georgia Standards of Excellence. Revenue is generated through admissions, tiered annual memberships, donations, and corporate sponsorships, with no state or local funding.

Product overview

Tellus Science Museum is a science museum in Cartersville, Georgia operating as a program of Georgia Museums, Inc. The museum offers a comprehensive portfolio of exhibits and educational programs centered on geology, paleontology, astronomy, transportation technology, and physical sciences. Core offerings include permanent galleries (Fossil Gallery, Weinman Mineral Gallery, Millar Science in Motion Gallery, Collins Family My Big Backyard), the Bentley Planetarium, Tellus Observatory, and the outdoor Czahor Solar System Trail. The museum provides extensive educational programming including field trips, Science Explorer Camps, SummerQuest, Lunch + Learn lectures, Traveling Trunks, and Virtual Field Trips. Special rotating exhibits like Mazes and Brain Games complement permanent collections. The museum serves over 200,000 visitors annually and reaches 45,000+ students through school programs, supported by membership tiers and corporate sponsorships.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Bentley Planetarium: The planetarium at Tellus Science Museum featuring space shows and presentations
• Frank Mayo Library
• The Czahor Solar System Trail
• Science Explorer Camp
• SummerQuest
• Lunch + Learn
• Innovation Society

Products and services

• General Admission Walk-in daily admission to the Tellus Science Museum including access to permanent galleries (Fossil Gallery, Weinman Mineral Gallery, Millar Science in Motion Gallery, Collins Family My Big Backyard), special rotating exhibits, Fossil Dig, Gem Panning, and the museum's 17,000+ collection objects. Pricing: Adults $20, Children (3-17) $16, Students with ID $16, Active Military free, Seniors (65+) $18.
• Field Trip Programs 2-hour educational field trip programs aligned with Georgia Standards of Excellence for K-12 schools. Includes gallery tours, hands-on labs, and planetarium shows with program themes such as Fossiliferous, Fossil Friends, Mysterious Minerals, and Exploring the Solar System. Student pricing $12 per student with 15-student minimum; one free chaperone per 10 students; planetarium add-on $2.50 per person.
• Science Explorer Camp Week-long summer science camps for children ages 5-9 and 9-13 with themes including Phenomenal Science, Code Busters, and Forensic Frenzy. Each week features different hands-on STEM activities. Members $170, Non-Members $200. Registration closes noon Wednesday before event.
• SummerQuest Program Group summer program for students ages 5-12 focusing on the Sun and solar system. Students create solar bead bracelets, learn planet order, and view the Sun safely with solar telescope. $12.00 per student with 15 student minimum, 210 students maximum per day. One free group leader per 10 students; additional leaders $20 each; planetarium add-on $2.50 per person.
• Lunch + Learn Lecture Series Weekly Wednesday noon lectures on science topics ranging from fossils to stars, presented by guest speakers including academics such as Dr. Justin Robinson of Georgia State University. FREE for members and included in regular admission for non-members. Sponsored programming with community partners including Courtyard Marriott Cartersville.
• Traveling Trunks Loanable educational kits covering Fossils, Rocks, and Minerals topics for K-12 instruction. Trunks include specimens, lesson plans, videos, and activity materials. Free to use with $50 refundable security fee. Available in 2-week increments. Check outs and returns on Friday between 11 AM and 5 PM.
• Scoutacular Science Program Scout-focused program helping scouts earn badge requirements through labs and interactive exhibits covering geology, astronomy, and physical science. Scouts $18 for ages 5+. Includes lab activities and theater presentations. Discounted planetarium tickets $2.50 per show.
• Annual Museum Memberships Annual subscription memberships with tiered pricing: Individual $85, Individual Plus $115, Family $140, Family Plus $195, Grandparent $140, Grandparent Plus $195, Patron $500. Includes free admission, planetarium tickets, newsletter, member events, and reciprocal museum access. GMI Packages bundle Tellus with Savoy Automobile Museum, Booth Western Art Museum, and Bartow History Museum.
• Sensory Friendly Mornings Exclusive sensory-friendly events for individuals with different sensory processing skills and their families. Features quiet spaces, reduced stimuli, and specialized equipment (wheelchairs, weighted lap pads, noise reduction earmuffs). Free planetarium experiences included. Free for members.
• Virtual Field Trips Remote learning programs with downloadable curriculum packets, video segments, and up to 60 minutes of virtual instruction with a Tellus educator via Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams. Maximum 30 students per session.
• Build + Blast Model Rocket Workshop 3-hour workshop for ages 8+ where participants build and launch model rockets with expert assistance, including presentations from NASA Ambassadors. Members $30, Non-members $45. Staggered 10 AM, 11 AM, 12 PM start times. Weather-dependent, may reschedule.
• Mazes and Brain Games Special Exhibit Interactive traveling exhibit featuring maze experiences, illusions, puzzle tables, and brain-busting activities. Created by Minotaur Mazes in collaboration with OMSI, NSF, and UAF. Located in Tellus West Galleries. Included with general admission.

Quantifiable outcome

• Almost 3 million visitors welcomed since opening in 2009
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Triebold Paleontology Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 August 2026Paleontology company that collaborated with Dr. David Schwimmer to create the first scholarly-accurate mounted skeleton of Deinosuchus schwimmeri installed at Tellus.
• Dr. David SchwimmercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 August 2026Paleontologist who formally identified and named Deinosuchus schwimmeri in 2020 based on decades of fossil research. Collaborated with Triebold Paleontology on the skeleton installation.
• Bank of AmericacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBank of America Museums on Us program provides free admission to Tellus Science Museum during the first full weekend of each month for Bank of America cardholders. This is part of a national program covering over 120 museums and cultural institutions.
• Charles SchwabminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner providing support to the museum through sponsorship of programs and events.
• Phoenix AirminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner supporting the museum's mission and programs.
• Piedmont CartersvilleminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner supporting the museum's community programs.
• WBHFminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal radio station partner supporting museum events and promotions.
• Q102minorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal radio station partner for community outreach and event promotion.
• Vulcan Materials CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTitle sponsor of the Vulcan Materials Company Gem Panning attraction featuring a working water wheel. Newly-installed UV filters keep the water sanitized and safe for visitor use.
• Courtyard Marriott CartersvilleminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of the Lunch + Learn lecture series, providing support for adult education programming at the museum.
• Minotaur MazescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCreator of the Mazes and Brain Games special exhibit (May 23, 2026 - January 3, 2027). Leading provider of interactive educational maze exhibits.
• OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborating institution on the Mazes and Brain Games special exhibit, bringing educational expertise to the interactive experience.
• National Science Foundation (NSF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFunding and research partner on the Mazes and Brain Games exhibit, supporting science education innovation.
• University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner collaborating on the Mazes and Brain Games exhibit through research and educational programming.
• Smithsonian Institution National Air and Space MuseumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLoans space artifacts including Moon Rock Exhibit, rocket engine, sample container, hammer, and Omega Speedmaster watch to Tellus for display.
• NASAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides space artifacts on loan to Tellus including moon rock exhibit materials. Also supports through NASA Ambassador volunteer (Chris Thompson).
• General Motors Heritage CollectionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLoans the 1996 General Motors EV-1 electric vehicle to Tellus for display in the Millar Science in Motion Gallery.
• Georgia State UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Justin Robinson from Georgia State University presents Lunch + Learn lectures on topics like Black Holes, bringing academic expertise to museum programming.
• Georgia Museums, Inc. (GMI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTellus Science Museum is a program of Georgia Museums, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. GMI also operates Savoy Automobile Museum, Booth Western Art Museum, and Bartow History Museum, with which Tellus offers reciprocal membership packages.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Discovery Place: Charlotte, NC science museum and IMAX theater with hands-on exhibits, educational programs, summer camps, and membership tiers. Directly comparable on mission (interactive STEM education), visitor segments (families and schools), and revenue model (admissions + memberships + programs).
• McWane Science Center: Birmingham, AL hands-on science museum with aquarium, IMAX, and curriculum-aligned K-12 programs. Comparable on Southeast regional science museum positioning, hands-on exhibit model, and school field trip as core GTM.
• COSI (Center of Science and Industry): Columbus, OH science center with hands-on exhibits, planetarium, camps, and curriculum-aligned programs. Comparable on science museum positioning, broad exhibit coverage (including space), and family + school audience mix.
• Carnegie Science Center: Pittsburgh, PA science center featuring planetarium, interactive exhibits, and educational programs. Comparable on multi-disciplinary science focus (space, technology, physical science), membership model, and K-12 field trip channel.
• OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry): Portland-based science museum with planetarium, USS Blueback submarine, and curriculum-aligned programs. Tellus is already collaborating with OMSI on the Mazes and Brain Games exhibit; comparable on exhibit development expertise, science museum scale, and educational programming.
• Fernbank Museum of Natural History: Atlanta-based natural history and science museum with permanent exhibits, IMAX theater, and K-12 field trip programs. Closest direct peer given regional overlap (both serve Georgia families/schools), science/nature focus, and similar size and program mix.
• Adventure Science Center: Nashville, TN science center featuring a planetarium (Sudekum), interactive exhibits, and school programs. Highly comparable on science specialization, planetarium offering, school-field-trip-driven GTM, and Southeast regional family audience.
• SciWorks Science Center and Environmental Park: Winston-Salem, NC science center and environmental park with hands-on exhibits and educational programs. Comparable on regional mid-size science museum positioning, K-12 field trip programs, and family audience focus.

Broad incumbents

• Museum of Science and Industry (Chicago): One of the largest U.S. science museums, featuring interactive exhibits across broad STEM topics. Comparable on science museum category and core programming (field trips, memberships), though significantly larger scale and broader exhibit portfolio than Tellus.
• Field Museum: Chicago-based natural history museum with extensive fossil and mineral collections, exhibitions, and research programs. Comparable on natural history/paleontology collection focus (overlapping with Tellus's Fossil Gallery and mineral holdings), though much larger scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/tellusmuseum
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/TellusMuseum
• Facebookfacebook.com/tellusmuseum
• Instagraminstagram.com/tellusmuseum
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/tellus-science-museum

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Tellus Science Museum