Schiele Museum of Natural History and Planetarium

The Schiele Museum of Natural History and Planetarium is a natural history and science museum in Gastonia, North Carolina, committed to inspiring curiosity and understanding of science and the natural world. Its permanent collection spans multiple halls dedicated to North American habitats and wildlife, North Carolina natural history, and American Indian history — including the Henry Hall of the American Indian, with artifacts, weapons, ornaments, tools, and dwellings representing major tribal groups and colonial North America. The museum grounds also include The Farm, which explores regional agricultural history with live animals and historic farm equipment, a 0.7-mile Nature Trail through local ecosystems, and the Catawba Indian Village, a seasonal outdoor exhibit interpreting 400 years of Catawba culture through reconstructed historic structures. The facility maintains over 80 live Animal Ambassadors used in educational programming throughout the year. The James H. Lynn Planetarium offers immersive digital programming in a 360-degree dome. For private events, The Schiele offers several rental spaces — including the Environmental Studies Center, the Wells Fargo/Kimbrell Room, an auditorium, the museum lobby and courtyard, and the Planetarium — available for weddings, corporate gatherings, and celebrations.