The campaign trail gets a little wilder this summer when Discovery Place and the EpiCentre bring a nonpartisan contest to Uptown Charlotte, offering a chance at victory for anyone willing to get in the race.
Beginning July 30, a total of 24 specially-marked donkey and elephant toy animals will be hidden throughout the EpiCentre and its resident businesses. Each ‘political animal’ will be redeemable for two tickets to Discovery Place, including entry to the National Geographic Crittercam: The World Through Animal Eyes exhibition, plus two tickets to Discovery Place’s Charlotte Observer IMAX ® Dome Theatre to see polar bears frolic in To The Arctic or the dinosaurs roar in Sea Rex.. (Note: The IMAX tickets are not valid for The Dark Knight Rises.) The scavenger hunt, open to the public, offers a game-changing opportunity to get involved in the culture and excitement of Discovery Place, one of the state’s most visited and beloved educational destinations, while exploring the heart of the Democratic National Convention’s host city.
“Animals have a rare view of the world, whether they are penguins, sharks, sea lions, elephants, donkeys or any other creature. The Crittercam exhibition gives visitors the opportunity to see the world the way animals do ” said John Mackay, president and CEO of Discovery Place, Inc. “This scavenger hunt is an entertaining way for us to let the public see the way we can combine fun, education and science during the advent of the DNC in Charlotte.”
Showcasing the ongoing research of National Geographic’s Crittercam, a scientific video- and data-gathering tool safely worn by wild animals, the Crittercam exhibition at Discovery Place invites visitors to see the world through animal eyes. Encompassing more than 20 years of scientific invention and research collaborations, Crittercam has uncovered stunning insights into animal life. The exhibition will be at Discovery Place through September 16.
The twelve donkeys and twelve elephants will be secured in hidden and visible locations throughout the EpiCentre and each will be tagged with information about how to redeem the animal for Discovery Place and IMAX tickets. To level the playing field, Discovery Place will be offering daily social media clues on Facebook (facebook.com/discoveryplace) and Twitter (@discoveryplace). The contest will continue until all 24 animals have been captured. For more information call 704.372.6261 x300 or email info@discoveryplace.org.
“As a longstanding partner in Charlotte’s arts and culture scene, we are excited to be in the “epicenter” of national events that will surround the region in the coming months,” said Mackay. “And, if you’re wondering what the odds of finding tickets are…well, I would speculate that it will all come down to turnout.”
About Discovery Place
One of the top hands-on science museums in the nation, Discovery Place provides ever-changing, entertaining facilities that engage people in the active exploration of science and nature. The Museum brings relevant, contemporary science to life through groundbreaking exhibitions, interactive educational programming and hands-on activities. Nearly a half-million people from all over the United States engage with Discovery Place and its IMAX Dome Theatre each year. Discovery Place is located in uptown Charlotte at 301 N. Tryon Street. Convenient parking is available in the Museum’s parking deck – the Carol Grotnes Belk Complex – at the corner of Sixth and Church Streets. For more information about Discovery Place, call 704-372-6261, visit www.discoveryplace.org or connect with Discovery Place on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Discovery Place Inc. owns and operates Discovery Place, Charlotte Nature Museum and Discovery Place KIDS and is supported, in part, with funding from the Arts & Science Council. 
One of the top hands-on science museums in the nation, Discovery Place provides ever-changing, entertaining facilities that engage people in the active exploration of science and nature. The Museum brings relevant, contemporary science to life through groundbreaking exhibitions, interactive educational programming and hands-on activities. Nearly a half-million people from all over the United States engage with Discovery Place and its IMAX Dome Theatre each year. Discovery Place is located in uptown Charlotte at 301 N. Tryon Street. Convenient parking is available in the Museum’s parking deck – the Carol Grotnes Belk Complex – at the corner of Sixth and Church Streets. For more information about Discovery Place, call 704-372-6261, visit www.discoveryplace.org or connect with Discovery Place on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Discovery Place Inc. owns and operates Discovery Place, Charlotte Nature Museum and Discovery Place KIDS and is supported, in part, with funding from the Arts & Science Council.
