Catawba Science Center

I've been coming to Catawba Science center since I was a toddler, and there's a lot of fond memories but I cannot condone their new AI exhibit. It is sickening to applaud and congratulate the people who have made AI "art" generators that unethically steal thousands of artists work everyday to churn out slop. For a place supposed to inspire creativity in young children this is very disappointing, especially with an art gallery attached to the science center it's disgraceful.To explain how AI art works let's take Metas AI training for example. There was no option to opt out within the US. Every image uploaded to the app was put into an AI generator, including family photos and hundreds of small artists work. It then takes those images and puts them together again like a puzzle to make something "new." Without any images from actual artists or photographers the computer couldn't make anything. Art should be about human expression not soulless prompts put into a computer.

The Catawba Science Center is located next to the Hickory Art Museum in the SALT complex so I stopped here too. It was about $15 to visit the museum. I had reciprocity but didn't think to ask about it and they didn't ask like is done at the other museums. The Science Center was on the small side and a lot of the exhibits were out of order. The exhibits they had seemed geared more to younger children. So there wasn't a lot there. I never found my way to the aquarium as that is apparently in another building and that was not mentioned. The planetarium show wasn't starting until 2pm so that was disappointing.I will go back with my reciprocity to see the building I missed.

This is still one of the best places to take your kids (or yourself) year round for a great time! I know that all of their exhibits are amazing and well thought out. The level of detail they put into them is just incredible. Also, the art side is also great, so don't skip over that portion of the museum!There are also great programs for adults to do. You can sign up for art classes, and other programs that they offer. The museum offers a lot more than many people know.

This place was so wonderful! We took our girls while visiting family and it was very informative and interactive. At the main building, you start with different animals and learn a lot from the staff! They have a touch tank and are very informative. We did all the animal exhibits, Thomas the train, and the holiday laser light show. Definitely worth checking out if you are in the area!

This was a nice place me and my son enjoyed it. I would highly recommend it for a family place.

Such a fun place for our 2 year old. She would spend all day if she could! Great for a rainy day! She is a sensory seeker and loves hands on activities. It's such a perfect place for her. We have an annual membership and it is 100% worth it!

Well it is nice for a close place to go to but having been to bigger city science centers it does leave more to be desired.

Catawba Science Center is a hidden gem. I haven't been back here since elementary school. I decided to take my nieces here for the weekend. The exhibits were fun! I really enjoyed the interactive and hands on stations. We had a lot of fun. The aquarium was probably the best spot. I was surprised by how many fish they had on display. The stingrays were the best. If you're looking for something to do in Hickory, this is a great place with a small admission fee.

Great place for kids... hands on museum. Staff is really nice... they have a small aquarium that is very good for kids.

I was looking for a halfway point for my and my bestie to meet while she was visiting and we found this place it was three hours away from both but it was definitely worth it we had a great time and kids loved one price for all three buildings