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Cognition of Davie County’s capital campaign raised $500,000 for exhibit design and building renovations, only to have the grand opening plans put on hold by COVID-19.

Cognition reopens to the public on July 28.

To manage capacity, admission  requires a timed reservation for 90-minute exhibit area reservations and Makerspace classes. Guests can purchase tickets at www.cognitiondavie.org or email info@cognitiondavie.org.

Cognition is on N. Salisbury St. next door to the Davie Community Foundation in Mocksville. The museum offers nearly 5,000 square feet of interactive exhibits for ages 10 and under, and a hands-on Makerspace for crafting, tinkering, and making for all ages. Admission is $5 per person for the upstairs exhibit area, with separate admission for the Makerspace.

Annual memberships start at $50 (one adult, two children).

Executive Director Jessica Scott said: “Cognition is ready to reopen in a safe way so we can provide much-needed respite for children and adults. Our staff can’t wait to hear and see the joy of children seeing the exhibits for the first time, or hearing adults gasp in awe as they learn about all the capabilities of the Grady L. McClamrock Sr. Makerspace. Cognition truly has something for everyone, and we are excited to welcome the community back to this innovative space.”

During the struggle with COVID-19, Cognition aims to be a source of refuge by offering something for all ages, she said. The early stages of reopening will consist of small groups (less than 10) per time slot. Masks are required for guests ages 12 and up. Hand sanitizing stations are located at each entrance, and arrows on the floor indicate oneway flow of traffic through the space.

Staff replace exhibit materials after each group, and all surfaces are cleaned before a new group is admitted into the building.

“No one envisioned Cognition opening during a global pandemic. This is not the launch we planned for, but we are thrilled to see the building finally open up to the community again,” said Davie Community Foundation President Jane Simpson.

“Minimizing the risk of transmitting illness is a priority for the health of our visitors, volunteers, and staff. Cognition has an aggressive cleaning protocol and trained staff to create high quality visitor experiences that are both fun and safe,” said Cognition Board President Kim Crawford.

For more information about Cognition’s upcoming programs, visit www.cognitiondavie.org, email at info@cognitiondavie.org, or call at (336) 753 1046.