The Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium
Located at 1500 E Garrison Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28054. St in the heart of Gaston County, the Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium is a place for families and friends to explore and learn about natural history. This museum offers a wide range of exhibits, both permanent and rotating, to encourage wonder and curiosity about science. Its mission is to preserve the natural heritage of Gaston County and to inspire wonder and awe about the world we live in. The museum features many outdoor and indoor exhibits, including a replica of an authentic Catawba Indian village, a nature trail, and an 18th-century backcountry garden. It is also home to a planetarium, which is the second largest in North Carolina.
Visitors can learn about the history and wildlife of North Carolina, including the indigenous peoples and the modern agricultural culture of the region. Several permanent exhibits include galleries of natural history, a planetarium, and the Earth Space Science Center. The museum also hosts a number of events throughout the year, such as the Cuddly and Cute Animal Babies event in the spring. A Bug’s Day, a fun event for young children, is also held in July.
Visitors can also take a trip through time at the Schiele Museum’s Stone Age heritage site. The exhibit features a wide range of artifacts, including a collection of Native American pottery. The museum also features an outdoor, interactive experience called “The Farm,” which showcases a variety of plants and animals. The Farm also houses past and present agricultural equipment.
The Schiele Museum is a Smithsonian Affiliate, meaning it is one of 70 museums in the U.S. that are designated to bring the institution to their community. This affiliation means that the Schiele Museum will continue to inspire wonder about the natural world.
The planetarium offers many different shows. These include seasonal shows that explore the astronomy of the seasons, the connection of winter celebrations to the celestial world, and the holiday traditions of the world. These shows last for around 45 minutes and cost $3 per person. The museum also offers free planetarium shows for active military members. The Planetarium has been a popular destination for school field trips and other community events. In addition to the planetarium, there are several outdoor exhibits, including a replica of an 18th-century backcountry garden and a wildlife garden. Learn more.
The Schiele Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Sunday from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. It also offers free admission on the second Tuesday of every month. There are no admission fees for children under the age of three, and adults pay just $6. The museum is also home to a gift shop and picnic tables outside.
The Schiele Museum is dedicated to the memory of its founder, Rudolph “Bud” Schiele. He and his wife Lily, a naturalist and collector, we’re passionate about the natural world. They collected and preserved many natural artifacts, including rocks, animals, and minerals. He also advocated the importance of education and nature preservation. He was also a Scout Executive for the Boy Scouts of America. His work was well-known during his lifetime. In 1974, he passed away. His contributions to the community are widely recognized, and the Schiele Museum was named a Gastonia Chamber of Commerce honoree for outstanding service to the community. Next article.