The Discovery Space of Central Pennsylvania, a hands-on museum that teaches children the importance of themselves and the world around them, is scheduled to open in December 2010.

According to Penn State professor and board member Carla Zembal-Saul, the not-for-profit museum will be located at 112 West Foster Ave. Over one 4,200 square foot floor will be leased and will host several exhibits, including an arts studio and a theater for presentations, will encompass the space.

In 2001, the idea of a children’s museum surfaced from within the Downtown State College Improvement District. When the museum opens at the end of this year, it is expected to become an integral part in the downtown community. Instead of allocating space to a restaurant or gift shop, the museum will encourage visitors to stop downtown in order to benefit local businesses, says Zembal-Saul.

Those interested in volunteering at the museum can find more resources here.