CHARLOTTE – Space exploration has inspired us and united us as a nation ever since we first set our sights on the Moon. Now, as the world awaits a return to the Moon through NASA’s Artemis program, Discovery Place Science—a growing hub for science learning in the Carolinas—is proud to present an in-depth look at this journey 50+ years in the making. Beginning when the United States and Soviet Union entered the heated Space Race Discovery Place Science’s newest traveling exhibition, Apollo: When We Went to the Moon, presented in Charlotte by Honeywell, explores the cultural, technological and political context of the first Moon landing.

The Space Race encapsulated a turbulent time in America’s history but also a pivotal one fueled by innovation and exploration. Through an interactive and immersive exhibition, visitors will experience the Apollo era through the eyes of the engineers and boots of the astronauts who lived it. Featuring activities and experiences designed to relive the excitement and awe of the Space Race era, over 100 artifacts from the U.S. Space & Rocket Center will be on display that capture the astronomical advancements in engineering and hottest moments of the Cold War.

“We’re excited to bring this exhibition to life during a time when NASA is aiming to send the first woman and first person of color to the Moon through its Artemis program,” said Catherine Wilson Horne, Discovery Place President and CEO. “For more than fifty years, Apollo 11 has been a symbol of humankind’s desire to do something no one has ever done before. At a time when so much is changing in our world, we’re eager to share this spirit of innovation and exploration with our visitors.”

“Sponsoring the Apollo: When We Went to the Moon exhibit represents yet another way Honeywell is inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers in Charlotte,” said Honeywell Chief Technology Officer Suresh Venkatarayalu, who is also a Discovery Place Science board member. “Honeywell technology has been a part of every manned space flight since the Apollo program, including the Apollo 11 mission that first enabled a human to set foot on the moon. We’re thrilled to help bring this immersive and important exhibit to the Queen City.”

Visitors are invited to re-examine the past while imagining what’s possible in the future during their visit to Apollo: When We Went to the Moon. Here’s a look at what the exhibition includes:

• An immersive Apollo 11 launch experience
• More than 100 objects and artifacts from the archives of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center

• Actual pieces of the Apollo 11 Lunar Module in addition to artifacts from subsequent Apollo missions
• Authentic uniforms, spacesuits and lunar maps
• Photo opportunity atop a lunar rover
• Media memorabilia outlining cultural and political forces that fueled the Space Race
• Soviet module training simulator

• Intricate satellite, spacecraft and rocket models

In addition, Discovery Place Science is planning special adult programming connected to Apollo that will be announced at a later date along with exclusive activities tied to NASA’s Artemis program.

The exhibition runs October 2 through January 2 and is free with admission to Discovery Place Science. As the Museum continues to follow all health and safety precautions related to COVID-19, advanced tickets are required to visit the Museum. Tickets are on sale now and can be reserved by visiting www.discoveryplacescience.org.

Apollo: When We Went to the Moon is a touring exhibition co-produced by U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL and Flying Fish and is presented in Charlotte by Honeywell.