General Information and Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to book your workshop, but want to know what to expect? Below is some information and frequently asked questions you may find helpful regarding your upcoming visit:
- Open to the Public: The Discovery Center is a free space that is open to the public Wednesday – Saturday. Please note that there may be visitors browsing the galleries during your visit.
- Hours of Operations: The Discovery Center is open from 10 am to 5 pm. Please note that we cannot open our doors until 10 am and all visitors must exit the space at 5 pm. (including groups)
- Restrooms: Gendered and single-stall restrooms are available
- Water: Drinking fountain and water bottle fill station available
- Lunch: The Discovery Center does not have a lunch room or a space for eating. If you plan to have lunch during your trip, we recommend visiting the Seattle Center Armory. Visit the Seattle Center website for more information about food and seating options.
- Standards of Respect: Before your visit, please review our Standards of Respect page on our website.
- Accessibility: For information regarding accessibility at the Discovery Center, please visit our Accessibility page on our website.
What to Bring
- Nothing! If possible, please have students leave backpacks and personal belongings on the bus or back in the classroom. If any materials are needed for your/workshop, we’ll provide those.
- Item Storage: If your students are unable to leave their items behind, we have large bins available for students to store their belongings. We ask that students drop their bags off upon entering the Discovery Center and pick them back up on their way out.
Transportation
- Bus Parking: Seattle Center has three bus parking options available close by.
- 5th Avenue N – Just in front of the Discovery Center (3-hour bus parking)
- 4th Avenue N – Next to McCaw Hall (3-hour bus parking)
- Please make sure all students enter and exit the Discovery Center through the main entrance unless otherwise instructed.
During the Workshops
- Time: Your workshop is scheduled for about 90 minutes. Depending on the workshop and group interests 60-75 minutes will consist of facilitated conversation. We recommend 15-30 minutes of time for students to explore the exhibits and galleries on their own.
- Groups: Students will be put into groups of 10 to 15. We ask that at least one chaperone be available for each group.
Chaperones
Chaperones are required for your visit. As the space is open to the public, chaperones and instructors help our staff provide a great experience for all visitors and classmates by ensuring students abide by our Standards of Respect. If students are repeatedly unable to abide by these principles, your visit could be modified or cut short in order to maintain a welcoming environment for all visitors and staff at the Discovery Center.
Chaperone Expectations
Below are some tips from our staff to make sure your workshop runs smoothly. Please share this information with your chaperones prior to your visit:
- Prioritize the safety and well-being of the students.
- Manage interpersonal issues and allow students to take breaks if needed.
- Report any incidents to group leaders and Discovery Center staff.
- During the workshop, help students stay on task.
- Encourage students to engage and follow directions.
- Help students practice respectful listening and discourage side conversations.
- When exploring the galleries, encourage students to show respect.
- Remind students this is a public space with other visitors.
- Walk, don’t run. Talk, don’t yell.
- Touch and interact with exhibits with care.
- Help the students learn and enjoy!
- Encourage them to ask questions and explore.
We greatly appreciate you taking the time to review the information above. Should you have any additional questions, please reach out to us directly at [email protected].