HISTORY: Paul Whitener, a football player at Duke University in 1935 met Mildred McKinney (Mickey Coe) who was from Little Switzerland, NC, in 1935. Whitener's artistic talent advanced so rapidly that aspiring young artist, Mickey, soon traded in her own paintbox to encourage her new fledgling husband's career. He studied at the Ringling Museum of Art and also studied with Wilford S.Conrow, Frank Stanley Herring and Donald Blake along with pursuing studies at the Grand Central Art Gallery's school in New York City. Whitener's own personal journal from September of 1943 reports a group of consciencious citizens gathering to discuss organizing an art association in Hickory, with an ultimate aim of establishing a Museum of Art. The first executive committee met in December of 1943 and within 8 weeks a full board was elected. It was at this first meeting that the unanaimous decision was made that once a museum was established, Paul Whitener would be its director. After Whitener's death in 1959, his wife became executive director until 1998. Currently the executive director is Lise Swensen.
Welcome to Catawba Science Center - a hands-on museum which offers
excitement and learning for all ages.
Located on the SALT Block in the Arts & Science Center of Catawba Valley, Catawba Science Center (CSC) boasts more than 18,000-square-feet of exhibit space focusing on physical, natural and earth sciences. An added feature CSCs full-dome digital planetarium theater, capable of captivating audiences with immersive presentations, laser shows and traditional star talks. Freshwater and saltwater aquarium exhibits including North Carolinas only marine touch pool with LIVE sharks and stingrays offer visitors further opportunities for hands-on learning. Traveling exhibits rotate throughout the year. Science After Dark offers socially stimulating programs for adults.
Hours of Operation: Tuesday through Friday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm; Saturday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm; Sunday 1:00 - 4:00 pm; Exhibits closed to the public on Mondays
Offices staffed Monday through Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Admission: CSC members receive unlimited, free admission. Nonmembers: Adults, $5; Youth (3 to 18), $3; Seniors (62 and over), $3; children under 3 years FREE. Additional fees may be charged for blockbuster exhibits.
Check out Catawba Science Center -
where the Magic of Learning and the Science of Fun occur everyday!
