The Discovery Cube Orange County, previously called Discovery Science Center and the Taco Bell Discovery Science Center, is a science museum located in Santa Ana, California. It features over 100 hands-on science exhibits that are meant to pique children’s sense of curiosity. It has become a visual icon because of its ten-story solar array cube that towers over Interstate 5. Discovery Cube OC is Orange County’s premier children’s scientific center and museum. With interactive exhibitions and fun activities, learning has never been more enjoyable!
History of Discovery Cube Orange County
In 1984, the Exploratory Learning Center and the Experience Center merged to establish the Discovery Museum of Orange County, with the dual mission of educating kids about life in Orange County in the early 1900s and developing a world-class science center. According to a 1989 finance feasibility analysis, county leaders would approve the project. Prior to completion in the mid-1990s, South Coast Plaza housed a smaller “beta” version of the science center dubbed LaunchPad. On December 17, 1998, the modern 59,000-square-foot (5,500-square-meter) facility was opened in what was formerly a Bekins Van Lines depot. From 1996 through 2000, Mark Walhimer served as Vice President of Exhibits, overseeing the exhibits’ design, production, and implementation. In 2008, the Center became a Smithsonian Affiliation.
On September 29, 2012, the center declared its intention to extend its facilities. Phase 1, which opened on June 11, 2015, includes a new 40,000 square foot (3,700 square meters) Discovery Pavilion and refurbished space totaling 4,000 square feet (370 square meters). A Life Sciences Hall, a Courtyard of Learning and Living, an Environmental Pavilion, an IMAX cinema, and a “green” parking structure are among the future phases. (Source: Wikipedia)
Location
Discover more fun things at Orange County Museum of Art!
Exhibits
The facility is separated into numerous themed zones, including Rocket Lab, Science of Hockey, Dino Quest, Air & Space, Dynamic Earth, Eco-Challenge, and Quake Zone. Among the museum’s exhibits are Dino Quest, an interactive piece that opened in 2006 and features life-size dinosaurs; and Science of Hockey, which opened in 2009 and educates visitors about the numerous scientific components of the game of ice hockey through the lens of the Anaheim Ducks team.
TechWaste Recycling Inc. is nearby.
Directions
Discovery Cube Orange County
Get on I-5 S
2 min (0.5 mi)
Continue on I-5 S to E Edinger Ave. Take exit 9 from CA-55 S/State Rte 55 S
4 min (3.6 mi)
Continue on E Edinger Ave. Drive to E Occidental St – TechWaste Recycling Inc. 3 min (0.6 mi)