Located in the heart of Decatur, Alabama, the Cook Museum of Natural Science is more than a museum—it’s a place of discovery, curiosity, and inspiration. Designed to spark a passion for the natural world in visitors of all ages, the museum is especially impactful in how it engages young learners through hands-on experiences, immersive exhibits, and live animals. It encourages curiosity for one of Alabama’s greatest resources: the great outdoors.
For Brian Cook, President and Board Chairman, the mission is personal.
“I have always enjoyed being outside and in nature,” he reflects. “I remember when I was a child walking with my grandfather, and he took the opportunity several times to point out the names of specific trees or quiz me on them. As we began developing the new museum, we talked about the fact that we often take for granted and walk right past amazingly interesting or wonderfully designed flora and fauna.”
This deep appreciation for the natural world forms the foundation of the museum’s mission: to help others see the world with the same wonder and curiosity. From saltwater fish and jellyfish to turtles and live coral, the museum’s exhibits create opportunities for children to not just observe but to interact with nature in meaningful ways. And for Brian Cook, this is how nature comes to life within the museum’s walls.
“When you say the word museum, different thoughts may come to mind for different people,” Cook said. “I’m glad that it’s one full of vibrancy and engaging tactile and technology opportunities for all ages, and that we have numerous live animals. That being said, it’s one thing to design and build a museum. It’s another thing to develop STEM labs and classes, provide excellent guest service experiences for school groups and the public, as well as care for endangered animals.”
The Cook Museum’s educational offerings include a wide range of programming tailored to every stage of learning. From the Little Larvae Learning Series for toddlers to homeschool science classes for K–12 students, the museum creates dynamic opportunities to explore STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) in action. These programs invite students to think critically, ask questions, and discover answers through direct experience.
At its core, the Cook Museum is about inspiring a sense of wonder.
“Our theme is Life is Amazing!” says Cook. “So, in a world that’s easy for us to become consumers of screens feeding us entertainment, I hope that we will inspire kids and people of all ages to be curious, look closer and see that life really is amazing—and it’s worth exploring further through the STEAM fields.”
In a time when screen time often dominates, the Cook Museum offers an alternative: a place where young minds can engage with the real world—its animals, ecosystems, and endless complexity—and come away with a lasting sense of awe and inspiration. For children and families alike, it’s a reminder that curiosity is the first step to lifelong learning.
Ready to plan your visit? You can find everything you need at cookmuseum.org.
Courtesy of SoulGrown Alabama
