The Water + Life Museums consist of two institutions: the Western Science Center and the Diamond Valley Lake Visitor’s Center. The museum campus is built at the base of the Diamond Valley Reservoir Dam. Set in the arid climate of Riverside County, the campus is designed to provide educational opportunities, including Landscape Interpretive Areas showcasing the history of water use from ancient to modern times-with an emphasis on water sustainability. The Western Science Center will exhibit the artifacts uncovered by the reservoir construction and house a regionally significant research facility. The Diamond Valley Lake Visitor’s Center will illustrate the history of water infrastructure in California.
The arrival procession introduces the principal qualities of water and illustrates the importance of irrigation and agriculture in the history of water in California. Additional outdoor learning exhibits include archaeological digs, Paleolithic habitats, industrial water uses and cultural water uses. In addition, the approach to planting was sensitively and thoroughly researched to maintain the delicate ecological balance of the region. The project has been designated as the first museum to achieve LEED Platinum by the U.S. Green Building Council.
