Taking a note from Albert Einstein’s famous quote, “Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind,” the Wonders Center and Science Museum, announced last year, has opened in Dickson. The museum is the brain-child of David Rives, of David Rives Ministries. In the museum, he will combine science and religion in more than 100,000 square feet of display space in the old Renaissance Center.
“I believe in divine inspiration, preservation, and a greater plan as a Christian,” he told News Channel 2 in a recent report.
Rives purchased the old Renaissance Center from Freed-Harding University about a year and a half ago, then he spent millions turning the once upon a time celebration of the arts and exploration into his vision.
“When you walk out,” Rives went on to tell News Channel 2, “we want you to be amazed, inspired, and also thinking about the idea that these things all point towards a bigger picture, a grand designer, who made these things for us to enjoy.”
The museum will focus on anatomy, astronomy, geology, paleontology, physics, mathematics, biology and more. Displays and activities include a Tesla Coil, plasma globes, dinosaurs, race cars, some live animals from Genesis Animal Sanctuary, and a planetarium. The entrance rotunda features a 55-foot-long Camarasaurus skeleton.
Much of what is featured in the museum is rooted in the Christian-based nature documentaries and science shows that the ministry’s Genesis Science Network has been producing since 2015.
One part of the old Renaissance Center was carefully restored, and that is the old planetarium. It experienced an extensive overhaul. Other areas have been converted into various displays, like one where kids can dig dinosaur bones out of the sand.
When the Renaissance Center opened in Dickson in 1999, it was a unique haven for those interested in the arts and sciences all under one roof. Star shows beamed audiences to galaxies far, far away, and actors took audiences to other places in other times. Meanwhile, painters and clay artists honed their skills with classes, and then were given a chance to sell their creations in the gift shop. In the basement laboratory, looking like an ancient alchemist’s hideaway, children were introduced to the exciting world of chemistry and other sciences. But then the property was given to Freed-Hardeman University and all that changed.
The building, which sits on a 7.5-acre campus, has also become the home of the entire David Rives Ministries organization, including their production facilities, Genesis Network daily operations hub, and ministry organizational offices. The organization moved its entire operation from 12,000 square feet of space in Lewisburg, Tennessee. The space also contains Java Man Café; the Creation Superstore and Gift Shop; tiered conference rooms for speaking events, master classes and breakout sessions; and a large auditorium for creation seminars and gospel concerts.
Currently, the planetarium is showing “Creation of the Solar System” in the morning at 11:00 a.m. and “Exploring Deep Space” at 3:00 p.m. Following the planetarium presentation is a demonstration of the Tesla Coli in the same location. Call to confirm times for both shows at 931-212-7990.
Rives expects the museum will draw school children, families and visitors from out of state.
The museum is located at 855 Tennessee Highway 46 in Dickson. It is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., and 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $35 per person for those under 18, $20 for kids age six through seventeen, and kids under 6 free. Planetarium tickets cost an additional $10.
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