About us

Where curious minds play

Early Start Discovery Space is the first dedicated children’s museum in the world based on a university campus. It provides interactive experiences, stimulating educational programs and learn-through-play activities for children aged birth to 10 years and their families.

Backed by research

UOW researchers and their findings guide and influence all educational aspects of the Discovery Space, ensuring our play-based experiences are grounded in evidence and beneficial to children’s development.

Empowering

All experiences are designed to allow children to take control and share their imagination and creativity with others. The environment stimulates curiosity, supports independence, encourages social interaction and promotes an inclusive community.

Play and learn together

All the experiences have been designed to encourage a ‘partnership of play’, where children, families and educators all benefit as co-learners and creators.

Early Start Discovery Space is operated and supported by the University of Wollongong and was made possible by a generous $7 million contribution from The Abbott Foundation.