Science is an activity and a way of thinking, not simply a body of knowledge. At The Powerhouse, we invite learners of all ages to discover the world through hands on exploration and creation. We engage our community through gallery exhibits, robust school programming, and educational outreach programs.
"...too bad we are not locals so we can visit more often!" (via google review)
"Myself, my wife and my two kids had a BLAST here, would definitely recommend and go again and again." (via google maps review)
"Sudden Science is my most favorite after-school thing to do. I love science and I am so good at it now!" (3rd grade student, Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary)
"I think what you guys are doing is an excellent way of teaching science to kids and for them to realize that science can be really cool and fun." (After-school teacher, Animas Valley Elementary)
"What a fun activity this was!! My students LOVED it, and could have spent the whole day exploring your solar energy activities." (Pagosa Springs Elementary Teacher)
"All of them [my students] have come away with more knowledge, and skills, and love of science." (Southern Ute Indian Tribe Montessori Academy Teacher)
"For me, I can look through with children's eyes. I remember I broke a clipboard in front of them, and we discussed energy and that understanding stayed with them all year. I think through this partnership, they have made us become better as a staff. The kids need to know science isn't dry." (Southern Ute Indian Tribe Montessori Academy Teacher)
The Powerhouse is Southwest Colorado’s STEAM engine empowering curious young learners through interactive experiences, discovery, and play.
The Powerhouse is an all-ages interactive science center located on the banks of the Animas River in Durango, Colorado. Visitors to The Powerhouse gallery are invited to explore science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) concepts through permanent and traveling exhibitions in a welcoming environment that nurtures curiosity, imagination, and play.
The Powerhouse is located in one of the first commercial power plants in the world. Built in 1892, the Durango Light and Power Company brought AC-powered street lights to rural Colorado before that modern staple came to Chicago, New York, and many large eastern cities. The building continued to serve the community into the 1970s when the power plant was decommissioned and abandoned.
A citizen-led petition and fundraising campaign saved the historically and architecturally significant building from demolition and the rechristened Durango Discovery Museum opened to the public on February 23, 2011. Today The Powerhouse is recognized on the National Register of historic places as the oldest AC power plant remaining in the nation and the first Spanish Mission style building in Colorado.
Organization name
The Powerhouse
other names
Durango Discovery Museum, Powerhouse Science Center
1996
Tax id (EIN)
84-1310757
Category
Science & Technology
Organization Size
Medium Organization
Address
1333 Camino Del RioHeadquarters
1333 Camino Del Rio DurangoLa Plata County, CO, US