To review information on the Miami Science Museum, please view the Museum’s website at: www.miamisci.org .
The Miami Science Museum will make available the Request for Proposals for this project on March 22, 2012. To obtain a copy of the RFP package, please contact Jay Nichols at: miami@oppenheimlewis.com
All proposal packages are due to the Museums by 2:00pm, EDT April 2, 2012.
The Miami Science Museum will make available the Request for Proposals for this project on March 21, 2012. To obtain a copy of the RFP package, please contact Jay Nichols at:miami@oppenheimlewis.com
All proposal packages are due to the Miami Science Museum by 2:00pm, EST April 2, 2012.
After years of planning and widespread community support, the new Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science broke ground on Friday, February 24th in Downtown Miami’s Museum Park. The groundbreaking ceremony took place at the museum’s new site overlooking Biscayne Bay, marking the continuation of Miami’s rise as one of the world’s most culturally rich cities. The groundbreaking event marks the beginning of construction, with the new museum scheduled to open to the public by early 2015.
“Great cities are home to top tier museums. The new Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science will elevate Miami into this rank while contributing to the city’s emergence as a major international destination for culture and innovation,” said Trish and Dan Bell, co-chairs of the Museum’s Board of Trustees. “Our new building should serve as a delightful gathering place for residents and visitors, and we look forward to the Museum greatly enhancing the motivation for science and technology education in the community. It will also be an outstanding economic and architectural asset for the city.”
Designed by internationally recognized Grimshaw Architects, the 250,000 square-foot complex will be among the world’s most innovative and sustainable science museums. According to Grimshaw – which received the AIA National Honor Award for its design of the Horno: Museo del Acero in Monterrey, Mexico – the Museum is intended to act as a demonstration of ecological and sustainability principles. The building will harness energy from water, sun, wind and even museum visitors to power exhibits and conserve resources.
The Museum is structured around a lushly landscaped indoor and outdoor “living core” of terrestrial and aquatic spaces, featuring a 600,000 gallon aquarium facility, a full dome 3-D planetarium, interactive exhibits, innovative technology and two additional wings of exhibition space, learning center and cafes.
As construction on the new facility begins, support from the public and private sectors for the museum’s capital campaign remains strong.
In 2004, $165 million was approved by voters, through the Miami-Dade County’s Building Better Communities Bond Program, to support design and construction. In March 2011, Dr. Phillip and Patricia Frost committed $35 million to the Museum, the largest single contribution in the institution’s history. The gift has served as a springboard for additional private sector support. In January 2012, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation committed a challenge grant of $10 million. To date, the Museum has secured approximately $70 million of the $100 million needed to complete the building.
“The construction of this Museum will be remembered as the beginning of a new era for Miami – characterized by an emphasis on technology and all that it adds to our quality of life,” said Dr. Phillip and Patricia Frost, name donors of the Museum. “We are proud that it will be a major cornerstone in the development of this new reputation.”
The groundbreaking ceremony featured remarks by Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez and City of Miami Mayor Tomás Regalado, Superintendent of Miami-Dade Public Schools Alberto Carvalho, as well as Dr. Phillip and Mrs. Patricia Frost, Mr. Dan and Mrs. Trish Bell, and Miami Science Museum President Gillian Thomas.
“Groundbreaking at Museum Park is certainly an exciting moment for us, but even more exciting are the new learning opportunities being created both during construction and, of course, after opening. Every aspect of the building, its exhibits and facilities has potential for enjoyable learning, opening doors to new ideas, new opportunities, and new careers,” said Miami Science Museum President and CEO, Gillian Thomas. “The new Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science will be a powerful representation of how science can transform lives and inspire innovation.”
Thomas adds that the museum currently serves anywhere from 30,000 to 50,000 school children on an annual basis, with this number expected to double when it moves into its new location at Museum Park.
The groundbreaking event also marked the launch of two pilot education programs that the Museum intends to prototype in advance of its grand opening at Museum Park. “Science Stars” will bring leading scientists, such as astronomers, physicists, marine biologists, and engineers into the Miami-Dade County Public School System to provide children (K-12) with an opportunity to learn interactively about science in a school-based setting. Additionally, Miami Science Museum is beginning an internship program at the museum to enhance real-world training for high school students interested in embarking on a career in science and/or technology. This internship program will be piloted in partnership with Coral Gables Senior High and MAST Academy, and will provide 11th grade students with class credit in exchange for the experiential learning opportunity.
Last week was the official groundbreaking of the new Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science in Museum Park. Over 300 people and dozens of media attended this very special event. So far, the news is attracting wide attention with high-level media coverage throughout the region, including articles in: The Miami Herald, The Huffington Post, The Washington Post, GlobeSt.com, South Florida Business Journal, and South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Local Spanish language outlets such as Univision.com have also featured the story on their pages. Local network affiliates like WSVN and CBS4 are showing their support by posting coverage of the project on their portals.
Check out the gallery below to browse through some of our latest media hits.
A record-breaking 800 of Miami’s science-savvy socialites gathered in support of the Miami Science Museum’s annual Galaxy Gala & Big Bang events on Saturday, February 18th, to kickoff a weeklong celebration of groundbreaking festivities for the new waterfront museum project. The museum’s signature events, held at the JW Marriott Marquis & Hotel Beaux Arts in Downtown Miami, raised over $500,000 and featured galactic-themed décor, a seated three-course dinner, live music, dancing, performance artists and a laser entertainment experience—all to benefit the new Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science.
“The Gala was spectacular in every aspect – tasty and creative presentation of the food, lively band, and impressive guests who represented most all of the areas of our community,” said Board of Trustees Co-Chair Trish Bell. “It was an “out of this world” way to kick off a groundbreaking week, which includes the commencement of construction of the magnificent Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science. We are extremely pleased to be a part of this milestone in the cultural and educational development of our community and we are immensely proud to be creating a legacy for South Florida that will impact millions of people for many future generations.”
Chaired by Nancy & Jonathan Batchelor and Nicole & Edgar Lozano, this year’s Gala honored important community leaders including: David Lawrence who received the Vanguard Award; Walter Revell who received the Miami Science Museum Award; and The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation who was presented with the Visionary Award. This is also the first time the Big Bang, a high-energy dance party designed to integrate young professionals into the event, merged with the Museum’s Galaxy Gala, which is celebrating its 10th year. The 10th Anniversary Honorary Chair was the Batchelor Foundation and the Philanthropic Chairs were Trish and Dan Bell. The Big Bang was chaired by Izzy Havenick.
Phillip & Patricia Frost, and Trish & Dan Bell
“The 10th Anniversary of the Gala represents a great milestone in the Miami Science Museum’s history as we have also just broken ground on our world class facility,” says Gillian Thomas, Miami Science Museum President & CEO. “This is a time to celebrate the new museum and the benefits it will bring to our children and community for years to come.”
Evening highlights included emcee Natalie Allen from CNN, live entertainment by Soul Survivors & DJ Mark Leventhal, a silent auction, live animal interactions, and an open bar compliments of Bacardi. Major event sponsors were Suffolk Construction, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Magic City Casino, Saks 5th Avenue, Southern Wine & Spirits and Azucar Bakery.
Real estate expert and Gala Co-Chair Nancy Batchelor is excited about the impact the new Miami Science Museum will have on the downtown community. “The new science museum is the cornerstone of Miami’s downtown renaissance,” says Batchelor. “It is central to the efforts to strengthen greater Miami’s momentum as an emerging global capital.”
Click below to view a slideshow of some great photos of the night’s events:
For more information about the Galaxy Gala or Miami Science Museum, please visit: http://miamisci.org
This project is supported by the Building Better Communities Bond Program and the Mayor and Board of County Commissioners of Miami-Dade County. Additional support provided by:
