Explore the Museum of Life and Science's Newest Exhibit 'Earth Moves'

"Earth Moves" is the museum’s biggest new experience in years since "Hideaway Woods" opened in 2015

The long-awaited "Earth Moves" exhibit at the Museum of Life and Science in Durham opened to the public on Wednesday, Sept. 18. "Earth Moves" is the museum’s biggest new experience in years since "Hideaway Woods" opened in 2015.

In this one-of-a-kind outdoor exhibit, visitors can experiment with the natural and human forces that shape and reshape the Earth's surface. "Earth Moves" explores the four-billion-year-old story of how mountains rise, how rocks turn to sand and water reshapes the planet. You can find this new exhibit in "Catch the Wind" and across from "Into the Mist," about an eight-minute walk from the main building. The exhibit is designed for visitors of all ages, abilities and accessibilities to enjoy.

What Can Visitors Do in "Earth Moves"?

There are activities for everyone in this new exhibit. Guests can:

• Explore a sandstone cave formation.
• Splash underneath a 20-foot waterfall and change how it flows.
• Build stacks, arches and walls with stones.
• Shift the flow of a stream and discover how it reacts.
• Create art with rocks.
• Carve and mold sand.
• Sit, relax and enjoy the sculptures, the trees, and the sounds of falling water.

Tips for a Great "Earth Moves" Experience

The museum urges guests to explore, move around, dig with their hands and interact with flowing water. As a result, "Earth Moves" is a place where you can get messy. 

• Bring a change of clothes. We're not kidding — there's a waterfall in there, so visitors may get soaked, especially during warm weather visits. There is also mud and sand throughout "Earth Moves." There is a foot-washing station in the space for rinsing off sandy toes and a private changing area if things get really messy!
• When temperatures are high, rocks can get hot, so use care when visiting midday. However, there are lots of ways for you to keep cool: shady spots, misters, rolling water, and the waterfall.
• Keep an eye on your children as they explore. "Earth Moves" is designed to be safe for all visitors but as with all nature learning and discovery, bumps and scratches may happen.
• It’s ok to keep little souvenirs. Just like at the "Dino Dig," small rocks can go home in pockets for further study.
• A visit to "Earth Moves "is included in regular admission to the museum, which is $21 for teens and adults; $19 for seniors ages 65 and up and military with ID; $16 for kids ages 3 to 12; and free for ages 2 and under.