Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum

MHDM is the region’s first and only hands-on science center. The museum is located in the heart of the historic waterfront in Poughkeepsie, just steps away from the Poughkeepsie Metro-North train station, the Walkway Over the Hudson, fabulous restaurants, and two waterfront parks.

MHDM has three areas of programmatic focus that direct its work in exhibits and educational programs: school readiness, health and wellness, and community-building. Its galleries feature a variety of open-ended exhibits that encourage children to practice and develop age-appropriate cognitive, physical and emotional skills. MHDM takes a holistic approach to learning by presenting families and their children with a broad range of learning activities and experiences. MHDM also works with school districts to serve as an educational resource for the region – one that engages, educates, and connects students, teachers, and families.

In 2022, MHDM opened Science Revealed!, a dynamic science gallery that creates meaningful and memorable engagement for families with children up to age 12. The exhibition consists of 17 custom-made, hands-on science exhibits that invite visitors into full-body physical exploration of motion, air, forces, fluids and magnetism. In 2016 MHDM opened two new learning spaces: The Science Center @ MHDM to advance STEM education, and The Children’s Garden @ MHDM to teach families about growing their own food.  The museum is dedicated to engaging and serving a diverse audience of families from all socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds and of all abilities and needs through special admission and membership programs.