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CHARLOTTE -- The new Discovery Place in uptown reopened to crowds wrapped around the building. By the first hour, the museum was already at its 2,500 person capacity.

On Sunday, nine new exhibits were officially unveiled. For the past 18 months, the museum has undergone renovations with a $31 million price tag. The new additions include a diverse aquarium, 3-D digital theater and more hands-on activities.

According to Discovery Place President and CEO John Macakay, the public was invited to attend for free as a way to thank them for their patience during construction. Due to the economy, he said the museum never closed its doors, but cornered off areas that were undergoing renovations.

"I saw a turtle, went on a gravity thing and laid on a bed of nails," said Clayton Bledsoe. His aunt and uncle drove more than an hour to make for the free opening.

"You could explore new things and you could have a lot of fun," 10-year-old Vittorio Murrillo said.

The hands-on exhibits push and pull, move up and down, float and crawl, all in the name of science.

"[We want people to have] an appreciation for our own human ability to understand the world around us," said Macakay. "We hope to inspire young people to pursue careers in science technology engineering and math."

While the Discovery Place is a playground for children, adults also have their share of fun.

"My husband and I, we're enjoying it just as much as he is," said Robin Mathis.

On Monday, you can see all of the exhibits but you will have to pay. Admission is $12 for adults, $9 for children under 13 years old and it's free for children under 2.