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The Discovery Center of Idaho is a science museum located in Boise, Idaho.

Visual Characteristics

The Discovery Center of Idaho is housed in a single-story brick building with a flat roof. The exterior is primarily red brick, with large glass windows providing natural light to the interior exhibition spaces. The building's design is functional and modern, lacking ornate architectural features.

Location & Access Logistics

The Discovery Center of Idaho is situated at 131 W. Idaho Street in downtown Boise. It is approximately 0.5km west of the Boise River and 1km south of the Idaho State Capitol Building. Parking is available in the adjacent municipal garage, accessible from Capitol Boulevard. Several Boise bus routes, including routes 1, 2, and 3, stop within a two-block radius of the museum.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The building was originally constructed in 1947 as the Boise Public Library. It served this purpose until 1997 when the library relocated. The Discovery Center of Idaho opened in the former library building in 1997, repurposing the structure for educational exhibits.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can engage with interactive science exhibits covering topics such as physics, biology, and technology. Specific exhibits include a large-scale model of the human heart, a sound wave demonstration, and a section on robotics. The center also hosts rotating temporary exhibitions.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on-site. Limited seating is provided within exhibition areas. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong within the building. No on-site food vendors are present, but several restaurants and cafes are located within a 0.5km radius in the downtown area.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit is during weekday mornings to avoid peak crowds, particularly school groups. The museum is open year-round, with no specific seasonal weather considerations impacting the indoor experience. Lighting is consistent due to the controlled indoor environment.

Facts & Legends

A unique aspect of the building's history is that it was designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright's protégé, John Yeon. While not a legend, a practical tip is to check the museum's website for specific daily demonstration schedules, as these vary.

Nearby Landmarks

• Idaho State Capitol Building (1km North)
• Boise Art Museum (1.5km Southwest)
• Boise River Greenbelt (0.5km West)
• Basque Museum & Cultural Center (0.8km Southwest)
• Julia Davis Park (1.2km Southwest)