More than 5 years in the making, this 4,300 square foot exhibit center gives visitors a vivid look at the central role of plants in the Earth's ecosystems. Visitors learn about the importance of biodiversity, its fragility, and some of the steps being taken to preserve it. Linking the living exhibits in the Climatron, the Shoenberg Temperate House, and the site of the future Desert House, the Brookings Center spans the range of ecosystems featured in its displays. There are 40 colorful exhibits, including touch-screen computer kiosks, video monitors, live animals and plants, interactive, hands-on panels, and demonstrations to help visitors of all ages learn about the plants and animals that inhabit the Earth with us.

The Brookings Center was designed by Krent-Paffett, Inc. The exhibits were built by Design Craftsmen, Inc., of Michigan. The multimedia exhibits were designed by Hypermedia Group, Inc. and 1Degree. Further computer work is being performed by Interchange Technologies.