The Perot Museum of Nature and Science plans to add about four acres of outdoor exhibits, green space and new visitor facilities to its campus near Klyde Warren Park, part of a $185 million fundraising campaign the museum announced Tuesday.
Construction is expected to begin in early 2027, and the expanded campus is scheduled to open in late 2028, according to the museum's announcement as reported by Local Profile and CBS News Texas.
Science outside the building
The centerpiece is an outdoor science area of roughly 60,000 square feet, built around natural forces. Plans call for about 25 large exhibits and 40 smaller learning stations arranged in linked zones. Among them:
- a cloud maze
- a pavilion devoted to lightning and thunder
- a giant water vortex
- a fire tornado more than a story tall
- stations where visitors feel strong wind gusts, build up water pressure to set off a geyser and watch how moving water reshapes land
Native plants, shade trees, pollinator habitat and water features are meant to work as exhibits too. The museum says it is already measuring local temperatures and air quality to set a baseline for tracking the project's environmental effects.
"By moving beyond the physical limits of the building, our goal is to create an environment where discovery feels unexpected and alive," said Mike Spiewak, the museum's vice president of exhibitions.
The plan also includes a redesigned entrance and lobby, more classroom and dining space, event areas, a parking garage on site and infrastructure upgrades. Museum officials say the new green space and entrance are intended to tie the campus more closely to Klyde Warren Park, Victory Park and the Arts District.
