FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Fernbank’s Future: Project Thrive Renovations and New Learning Galleries

What is Project Thrive?

Thrive: The Nature of Change was a fundraising campaign* to raise money for a major museum transformation that will allow Fernbank to thrive by investing in a series of new learning galleries and upgrades to the visitor experience. Today, we refer to several phases of this transformation as Project Thrive.

The project, supported by a $27 million fundraising campaign, continues Fernbank’s commitment to redefine how audiences engage with museums now and in the future. These phases include plans to unveil new museum exhibits and learning galleries to revolutionize the guest experience across all three floors of the museum from 2025-2027.**

• Our Place in the Cosmos is now open in the Star Gallery.
• The Orkin Discovery Zone is anticipated to open on May 2, 2026.
• In 2027, Fernbank will debut the Changing Earth exhibit, a new temporary exhibit gallery and expanded accessibility features, including an additional passenger elevator, automatic doors to offer better access to Fernbank’s outdoor campus, and more.

When will the Orkin Discovery Zone Open?

The Orkin Discovery Zone is expected to open May 2, 2026.

What accessibility improvements are being made as part of Project Thrive to help improve guest experience?

• Tactile elements related to constellations and galaxies in Our Place in the Cosmos in the Star Gallery
• New accessible doors to the WildWoods terrace
• Accessible doors in the Orkin Discovery Zone, Changing Earth and the new temporary exhibition hall
• New passenger elevator serving all three guest floors located on the terrace side of the museum
• Updated feeding/nursing room outside of the Orkin Discovery Zone
• New wheelchair lift for the Frances Wood Wilson Foundation Theater

Why is A Walk Through Time in Georgia closing?

A Walk Through Time in Georgia is closing as part of Project Thrive, Fernbank’s commitment to unveil new museum exhibits and learning galleries to revolutionize the guest experience. The project, supported by a $27 million fundraising campaign,* will help redefine how audiences engage with museums now and in the future, including the newly opened Our Place in the Cosmos exhibit, soon-to-open Orkin Discovery Zone (spring 2026), a small temporary gallery for rotating exhibits, and the all-new Changing Earth exhibit (2027). Other projects include accessibility features, including a new passenger elevator, automatic doors leading to WildWoods and Fernbank Forest, a stair lift, and more.

When is A Walk Through Time in Georgia closing?

As of now, A Walk Through Time is scheduled to close April 26, 2026. This date is subject to change.

What will happen to components of A Walk Through Time in Georgia? 

As a museum accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and one that is dedicated to education and the stewardship of our collections, accessioned objects (e.g., sloth, taxidermy animals) and select models and reproductions will return to the Museum’s permanent collections or Education programming storage before any construction work begins. Scenic elements and diorama components like rockwork and vegetation will not be saved, as the creation of an entirely new exhibit requires an empty space prior to the start of construction. The large murals in the dinosaur hall were painted directly onto the wall so cannot be removed and saved; however, digital images have been taken to document them, as well as the exhibit itself, for posterity.

Will any exhibit components be available for people who are interested in them?

A Walk Through Time in Georgia has had a long tenure at the museum and is much loved by visitors of all ages, but many of the models and scenic objects will no longer be suitable for use due to their age and condition. Given the nature and timing of the construction for the project, it will not be possible to pull select items for members of the public.

What is coming next (March 2026 onward)?

• On May 2, Fernbank plans to open The Orkin Discovery Zone, a hands-on, active learning environment. All ages will step into the role of a scientist and hone their observation skills while they explore authentic objects, live animals and interactives.
• The space that currently houses A Walk Through Time in Georgia is being renovated. When it reopens in 2027, this space will feature a smaller temporary gallery along with a new signature exhibit, Changing Earth.
• Changing Earth will showcase our planet and its interrelated, dynamic systems. Real specimens, touchable objects, interactive opportunities, immersive features and sophisticated technology combine to offer a unique exhibit experience.
• Celebrating the awe and wonder of the natural world, the exhibit will include the opportunity to move earth’s plates using a “Tectonic Dashboard,” explore biodiversity with a “Tree of Life” interactive, and engage in an immersive media experience, where the interconnectedness of our planet and the life it supports beautifully and dramatically unfolds over time.
• Fernbank also has a great lineup of special exhibits and programs over the next year to engage guests during construction, including Flight of Butterflies (spring-summer 2026), T. Rex: The Ultimate Predator (summer 2026), The Secret Life of Elephants (fall 2026), Wild Color (spring 2027), and Unseen Oceans (summer 2027).

What exhibit(s) will go in the new temporary gallery?

Stay tuned for information on the exhibits planned for the new temporary gallery as it gets closer to opening in 2027.

Have a question we haven’t answered? Email us at Guest.Services@FernbankMuseum.org.

*Funds are from individual donors, private foundations, corporate support. Fernbank is a privately funded nonprofit organization and does not receive government or other public funding.

**Dates are subject to change.