New Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science will Engage the Community in Science and Strengthen Local Cultural Complex; Groundbreaking Set for February 24th

MIAMI, FLA. – January 4, 2011 – The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation has committed a challenge grant of $10 million to the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science (Miami Science Museum).  The support will foster science education and help strengthen Miami’s rapidly emerging downtown cultural center.

Knight Foundation’s grant must be matched with an additional $20 million in funding, a requirement meant to encourage additional community support.

“Our gift to the science museum, equal in size to an earlier gift to the art museum that will stand by its side, is a recognition of the importance of science education and of the museum’s leadership,” said Alberto Ibargüen, president and CEO of Knight Foundation. “Knight’s challenge grant is intended to galvanize support and accelerate the exciting community transformation at Museum Park.”

Knight’s support will help engage the community in exploring science, technology and the environment by both supporting the new, high tech facility and ensuring that more South Floridians participate in programming. Over time, funds will allow hundreds of thousands of Greater Miami students to visit at least once during elementary and middle school. More visitors will also get to participate in on-site, science-based research activities.

Knight Foundation’s contribution will be recognized through the naming of the Learning Center, a high-tech meeting space for students and community groups, and a key position within the new museum’s management team, the Director for Education.

“This is wonderful recognition of the excellent education work that the museum has been accomplishing for more than five decades. We can no longer adequately serve the expanding population of South Florida at our present site and this gift for the Learning Center at the new museum serves to emphasize how education is at the heart of all we do,” said Trish and Dan Bell, co-chairs of the Museum’s Board of Trustees.

Knight Foundation’s $10 million dollar commitment to the museum’s new building puts the museum in its final stretch of private fundraising – with  $70 million raised out of its $100 million goal. The remaining funds that complete the estimated $275 million overall project cost are granted by Miami-Dade County’s Building Better Communities Bond Program, overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2004, and other government sources.

Designed by internationally renowned Grimshaw Architects, the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science will bring the most spectacular high-design experience to Miami’s already bustling cultural landscape. The 250,000 square-foot complex is intended to act as a demonstration of ecological and sustainability principles, harnessing energy from water, sun, wind and museum visitor energy 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, hands-on exhibits, cutting edge technology and two additional wings of exhibition space, classrooms and cafes. With the support of the City of Miami, Miami-Dade County and others in the community, the new Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science is on track to be a stand-out destination, inspiring visitors to learn, share and embrace science and technology. The new museum is slated to break ground on Feb. 24, 2012 and open in early 2015.

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ABOUT THE JOHN S. AND JAMES L. KNIGHT FOUNDATION

Knight Foundation supports transformational ideas that promote quality journalism, advance media innovation, engage communities and foster the arts. We believe that democracy thrives when people and communities are informed and engaged. For more information, visit www.knightfoundation.org.

ABOUT MIAMI SCIENCE MUSEUM

Miami Science Museum aims to make a difference in people’s lives by inspiring them to appreciate the impact that science and technology can have on every facet of our world. For over 60 years, Miami Science Museum’s award-winning educational programs, family-focused exhibits, historic planetarium, and rehabilitative Wildlife Center and Clinic have enriched locals and tourists alike. In 2015, the legacy continues with the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science, a new world-class, state-of-the-art facility designed by Grimshaw Architects in the heart of downtown Miami. Miami Science Museum is accredited by the American Association of Museums and is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. For more information about the current Museum or our future home, the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science, visit www.miamisci.org or call (305) 646-4200.

Miami Science Museum is located at 3280 South Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33129. The Museum is open every day from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Admission is free for MiaSci members and children under 3; students (with valid ID), seniors (62+) and children 3 – 12, $10.95; adults are $14.95. Parking is free.

Miami Science Museum is funded with the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners.

Media Contacts:

Marc Fest, Vice President/Communications (interim),  John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, (305) 908-2677, fest@knightfoundation.org

Tony Lima, Vice President/Marketing and Communications, Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science, (305) 646-4209; tlima@miamisci.org

(Pictured From Left to Right): Zoe Sicking, Lydia Clark, Pamela Cadman, Sheila Revell, Mattie Lou Wessel, Gillian Thomas, Pam Wilson, Sheldon Roy, Thomasine Morris, Thane Malison, Elizabeth Sharkey and Willacene Siert.

The Guild of the Museum of Science recently donated over $32,000 to the Museum during a check presentation ceremony with Guild members and Museum executives at the Museum.

The Junior League of Miami founded the Guild in 1953. A need was recognized for a group of volunteer workers to increase community interest in the Museum, give financial aid through special projects and to provide assistance, leadership and guidance to the Museum’s professional staff. The Guild raised money for the Museum through cookbook sales, events and from manning the gift shop here at the Museum over the years.

Miami Science Museum recently welcomed five new members to its Board of Trustees, as plans move forward to build the new Miami Science Museum in downtown Miami. Internationally recognized for his leadership in the legal, corporate, and charitable sectors, Cesar L. Alvarez, Executive Chairman of Greenberg Traurig. PA, heads the list of newly elected Trustees and joins the Executive Committee to enhance both governance and fundraising.  Other elected Trustees include Alexander P. Adams, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Personal Financial Services at The Northern Trust Company; Julia R. Bianchi, long-time community leader; Gregory W. Barnes, President and Chief Operating Officer of Bill Ussery Motors Group; and Hank Klein, Vice-Chairman of Blanca Commercial Real Estate.

“We are honored that such strong community leaders are joining our Board as we move toward beginning construction. Each Board member brings a separate skill set and will play an invaluable role as we move forward. Having Cesar Alvarez serving on the Executive Committee will be an additional asset. We are making great progress in fundraising and expect to start construction towards the end of the year”, said Trish and Dan Bell, Co-Chairs of the Board of Trustees. “This is shaping up to be a very positive and important year for our new Museum project,” they added.

Miami Science Museum will break ground on its new building later this year. Designed by Grimshaw Architects, the new museum will have the most distinctive design of any building in Miami, from every direction. It will incorporate advanced communications and energy-conservation technology, as well as a host of visitor-friendly features. Structured around a lushly landscaped indoor and outdoor “living core” of terrestrial and aquatic exhibits, featuring one-of-a-kind aquarium components, a state-of-the-art digital dome, hands-on exhibits and interactive digital technology. The entire complex, in fact, will act as a demonstration of ecological and sustainability principles, harnessing energy from water, wind, and sun to power exhibits and conserve resources. Every aspect of the five-story, 250,000-square-foot building is planned to inspire the mind, engage the senses and stimulate the imagination.

Cesar L. Alvarez became the Executive Chairman of Greenberg Traurig in 2010. Prior to this time, he served the firm as its Chief Executive Officer for 13 years beginning when the firm had 325 lawyers in eight offices in 1997 and directed it through its growth to more than 1800 attorneys and government professionals in more than 30 locations in the United States, Europe and Asia. With fervent belief in education, Alvarez has served on numerous boards of higher education, including Florida International University; Florida International University College of Law; University of Florida Levin College of Law; University of Miami School of Law; Miami Dade College; and Manhattanville College. Some of his present commitments include, serving as Chair of the American Bar Association’s Commission on Hispanic Legal Rights and Responsibilities; on the Board of Directors, National Council of La Raza; and as Vice Chairman, Trustee and Chair of the Audit Committee for the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. He is a former Chairman of the Board of Directors and former Campaign Chair of the United Way of Miami-Dade. Alvarez holds B.S., M.B.A, and J.D. degrees from the University of Florida.

Alexander P. Adams is Managing Director of Personal Financial Services for The Northern Trust Company at its Miami offices.  Having joined Northern Trust in 1995, he has served in various capacities in both commercial and private banking.  Prior to joining Northern Trust, Adams was a commercial lender for First Union National Bank, and a private banker and branch manager with Citibank. He has been involved with several civic and charitable organizations, including the United Way of South Florida, Make-A-Wish Foundation of South Florida, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami and Belen Economic Development Council. He holds M.B.A. and B.A. degrees from University of Miami.

Julia R. Bianchi is committed to helping build a stronger and healthier community for at-risk children and families through her volunteer work as a fundraiser. She currently serves as the National Co-chair of the American Red Cross’s Tiffany Circle Society of Women Leaders and is a member of the ARC’s South Florida Region’s Board of Directors. She is past President of the Junior League of Miami, co-founder of the Fisher Island Philanthropic Fund, is a founding Board member of Kristi House and is a Board member of the Summa Hospital System Foundation. Her professional background includes extensive experience in marketing communications, special events and broadcast media. She holds B.A. and B.S. degrees from Miami University of Ohio.

Gregory W. Barnes joined Bill Ussery Motors in 1999 as Operations Manager at Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables and became President and Chief Operating Officer of its parent company, Bill Ussery Motors Group, in 2009. Barnes has most recently served on the boards of directors of the Coral Gables Community Foundation and Westminster Christian School. Additionally, he has served on the boards of Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, the Ronald McDonald House of South Florida, the Coral Gables Rotary Club, and as President of the Robert Morris Association (RMA Banking Association). Barnes began his career in 1984 as a commercial lender with NCNB, upon graduating from Florida State University with a B.S. in Finance and later worked for Northern Trust in Miami.

Hank Klein joined Blanca Commercial Real Estate in 2010 and currently serves as Vice Chairman. Klein previously served as Executive Director of business development at Cushman & Wakefield of Florida and Vice Chairman of Flagler Realty Services. He currently serves on the boards of directors for the Adrienne Arsht Performing Arts Center, Downtown Development Authority, Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, Performing Arts Center Trust, United Home Care Services and Miami Finance Forum. He holds a B.Ed. from University of Miami.

To view the complete Miami Science Museum Board of Trustees, visit: http://miamisci.org/www/board-of-trustees.php

Sean Duran, Vice President, Exhibition and Design at Miami Science Museum, is one of 18 leaders from science centers and related institutions chosen worldwide for the Noyce Leadership Institute (NLI) Fellowship. The 2011-2012 Noyce Leadership Fellows each completed a rigorous application process and were selected by a group of professionals from the fields of science and executive education. Through this program, Sean, and the other selected Fellows, will gain training and access to tools and networks that will enable them to lead effectively and advance innovation in their own institutions and communities.

“I’m honored to have been awarded the scholarship and Fellowship and am excited to have the opportunity to work alongside other museum professionals from around the world,” said Sean. “The NLI brings together leaders to act as change agents that can strengthen the impact of science centers. This project will explore how best to mobilize and focus community involvement and help it find tangible expression within the walls of the new Museum. We want this to be everyone’s museum, everyone needs to find their place within it.”

Sean has been with the Museum for 10 years and has worked to develop such exhibitions as: Amazon Voyage, a remarkably successful national touring exhibition now seen in 14 cities by well over one million visitors; The Dinosaurs of China, a massive 12,000 square foot exhibition in collaboration with the Beijing Museum of Natural History; Heart Smart, a trilingual, technology infused exhibition developed in partnership with University of Miami, that records visitor’s personal health data for purposes of research; and Charlie and Kiwi’s Evolutionary Adventure, a National Science Foundation funded exhibition and learning research project focused on the tenants of evolution.

This year’s program will focus on senior level managers. “NLI aims to increase the capacity of individuals to lead these dynamic organizations,” said Dr. Geno Schnell, NLI Program Director. “We’re excited about the potential of working with this next generation of leaders to increase the level of innovation and community impact at their home institution and in the science center field as a whole.”

As you may be aware, the proposed Miami-Dade County budget for the 2010-11 fiscal year includes substantial service cuts and workforce reductions to local cultural organizations.

This year’s proposed budget represents a 25% cut to cultural grants funding to more than 400 local cultural organizations, amounting to a total reduction of $2.3 million of support for the grants programs of the Department of Cultural Affairs. Combined with last year’s 15% cut, this would be a total reduction of about 40% or a loss of $3.7 million.

It is critically important to let the County Commissioners know the impact that County funding has on its cultural organizations. Together, our voices can make a difference.

Here’s what you can do to get involved NOW:

• Attend and register to speak at the two upcoming County Commission Budget Hearings: Monday, September 13^th and Thursday, September 23^rd each at 5:01 p.m. in the County Commission Chamber, 111 N.W. 1^st Street, 2^nd Floor.

• As a supporter of the Museum, write or call your County Commissioners and urge them to support the County’s cultural organizations by not reducing funding. (Sample message available for download here).

• Click here for a complete list of County Commissioners.

• Send e-mails and make calls to your business and personal contacts educating them on the issue and asking them to also take action.

• Continue being involved in the budget discussions that are taking place from this moment on.

• Make sure to mention the Museum in your communications.

On behalf of cultural organizations in Miami-Dade County, we thank you for your rise to action on this important issue and for your ongoing support of the Miami Science Museum.

Sincerely,

Gillian Thomas
President and CEO
Miami Science Museum

James Corner Field Operations was recently awarded the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum’s 2010 National Design Award for Landscape Architecture. The Landscape Architecture Award is given to an individual or firm that has delivered exceptional pieces of work in urban planning or park and garden design. Winners are admired for their continued excellence in embodying great levels of creativity and originality while attempting to solve problems that will enhance overall lifestyle.

Miami Science Museum (MiaSci) is proud to partner with Field Operations, and is on track to showcase a unique combination of traditional architecture and scientific design. MiaSci and the Miami Art Museum (MAM) have jointly appointed Field Operations to design the shared plaza between the Museums. The Plaza will serve as a centerpiece with lushly planted public gardens that overlook Biscayne Bay and the Park.

“We are delighted to be recognized with the prestigious 2010 National Design Award, and are very excited about working with both MiaSci and the Miami Art Museum to design a world-class public space and garden,” said James Corner, Principal, Field Operations. “The site is spectacular, and the adjacency of these two amazing buildings sets up a unique opportunity for Miami to enjoy a new and extraordinary social nexus.”

Field Operations is a New York based firm leading in innovative landscape-architecture and urban-design practice. Spearheaded by James Corner, the firm has consistently delivered strong pieces of contemporary work to clients across the globe. Among Field Operations’ most recognized pieces are the High Line in New York City, the pools and gardens of City Center in Las Vegas, Fresh Kills Park on Staten Island and soon, Museum Plaza in Downtown Miami.

MiaSci received a BIG delivery yesterday. Literally.

Goodyear delivered an 8,000-pound, nearly 12-foot tall tire to MiaSci today for the upcoming Fuels of the Future exhibit. Tires such as these are generally used on large trucks that mine tar sands, a material that contains oil. The tire will be on display in the exhibit as an engineering marvel and a symbol of the extremes we go to for oil.

Debuting in July 2010, Fuels of the Future addresses one of the key issues behind climate change, transportation, by exploring alternatives to today’s gasoline powered vehicles. The exhibit will also feature a solar-powered car, an air-powered car, digital media and hands-on activities. Visitors will even have the chance to build and test their own solar- and air-powered cars out of Legos!

Fuels of the Future is the latest component of MiaSci’s Energy Tracker exhibition, which includes the existing Energy Dance Floor, and the Human Yo-Yo and Giant Lever in the Energy Garden. The Energy Tracker is part of MiaSci’s ongoing efforts to prototype new ways to deliver content about alternative energy sources, in support of the new Museum slated to open in 2014.

Stop by MiaSci to check out the Giant Tire and the rest of the Energy Tracker exhibit soon!

The City of Miami Omni Community Redevelopment Agency (Omni CRA) Board of Commissioners passed a unanimous motion late last week to release $2 million for the environmental remediation of the eight-acre site at Museum Park where the new Miami Science Museum (MiaSci) and Miami Art Museum will be constructed. This is an extremely important step forward for MiaSci and means that work on the site should start within the next few weeks with the goal of finalizing the process by the fall.

Aerial View of the future Museum Park with MiaSci and MAM

Dan Bell, co-chair of the Miami Science Museum board of trustees believes the economic impact of Museum Park factored into the positive Omni CRA vote. “The City of Miami and Miami-Dade County understand the importance of fast-tracking the development of Museum Park,” said Mr. Bell. “In addition to providing our community with world-class venues for arts, culture, and science exploration, Museum Park will stimulate much needed job creation and economic growth in our urban core.”

Once home to the Port of Miami and oil storage tanks, Museum Park’s bay front parcel of land must be tested and cleared of any possible environmental contamination before construction can be started. The remediation agreement will provide for the environmental site assessment and corresponding site rehabilitation of Museum Park.

The new MiaSci is moving ahead rapidly! With the support of the City of Miami, Miami-Dade County and the community, the new Museum is on track to be a one-of-a-kind facility, inspiring its visitors to learn, share and embrace science and technology.

The Miami Science Museum released final designs for its new $275 million downtown home at Bicentennial Park

BY ANDRES VIGLUCCI

aviglucci@MiamiHerald.com

The Miami Science Museum has finalized designs for a new $275 million home on Biscayne Boulevard that will combine a retro-modern look with sleek, undulating contemporary lines and an expansive open-air feel, while incorporating the latest green and interactive technologies.

“The most distinctive design of any building in Miami, from every direction,” the museum boasts in fundraising materials prepared for prospective donors.

The boast may not be far off the mark.

The museum — which plans to add an aquarium at its new home — released renderings of the new, five-level complex’s final schematic designs by noted London-based Grimshaw Architects that represent a significant refinement of conceptual images released eight months ago.

For the first time, the renderings also place the new science museum together with its neighbor, the planned Miami Art Museum designed by the Swiss firm of Herzog & de Meuron, providing a preview of the ensemble in its intended, park-like setting.

The two museum buildings are to anchor the new Museum Park on the 29-acre bayfront site of what is now half-derelict Bicentennial Park, at Northeast 10th Street and Biscayne Boulevard.

The design strives for maximum exposure to the outdoors, seizing on stunning views, the South Florida climate and the park setting to provide a welcoming embrace to visitors, said Science Museum Director Gillian Thomas.

The final plan comprises four interconnected, terraced structures: an oblong “Living Core” containing the aquarium and a massive Gulf Stream tank, a striking new planetarium orb overlooking Biscayne Boulevard, and two squared-off wings in a “V” containing exhibition space, classrooms and cafes. These main structures would be set around a soaring, open-air atrium lined with terraces and shaded by a canopy punctured by skylights.

“It’s an impressive building, but not impressive-frightening,” Thomas said. “We’ve tried to blend it in with the surroundings much more. Nothing’s hidden.”

The plans were endorsed by the city’s Urban Development Review Board last week with some minor conditions, and museum officials hope for final approval from the Miami City Commission this fall. That would put the museum on track for start of construction in the fall of 2011, Thomas said. The complex would open in 2014.

Release of the final schematics also marks the start of major fundraising for the project, which will be underwritten by $175 million in proceeds from voter-approved Miami-Dade County bonds — although the county has not yet decided when it will release the earmarked funds.

The museum, which must raise the balance of $100 million privately, already has some $23 million in pledges, according to a recent county report.

Although fundraising has been hurt by the economic recession, county and museum officials acknowledge, the project remains on track and backers say they’re confident the full amount will be raised.

“This is pretty much as planned,” said Michael Spring, the county’s director of cultural affairs. “When you get the design to this point, it’s the right time to talk to major donors.”

Together with an outdoor “science playground,” the complex totals 250,000 square feet, covering a footprint of about four acres.

The buildings would be clad in gleaming tiles. The Living Core, which would face the park, would be topped by an open canopy shading a series of outdoor gardens and aquarium exhibits designed by Thinc, a New York firm. The Living Core structure comes to a prow-like point angled at the bay.

At the structure’s core is a massive Gulf Stream tank with expansive views of the park and Biscayne Bay beyond it. As in the earlier conceptual plans, the bottom of the tank would be cut off at an angle and glassed in to provide dramatic upwards views of swimming sharks and rays.

The new planetarium dome — to be lit up with celestial projections after dark — would rise above Biscayne Boulevard where it meets the on-ramp to the MacArthur Causeway to Miami Beach.

Between the Boulevard and museum’s west wing, which would house a cafe among other amenities, the plans call for a marsh-like retention pond that would hold rainwater coming off the complex for watering the landscaping and other uses.

The entire complex, in fact, is supposed to act as a demonstration of ecological and sustainability principles, harnessing energy from water, wind and sun to power exhibits and conserve resources. The new museum will also incorporate wildlife exhibits popular in its present incarnation on South Miami Avenue on a portion of the former grounds of Vizcaya.

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/05/27/1652263/final-design-for-miami-science.html#ixzz0pFNctj8B

According to a recent economic impact analysis, construction of the new Miami Science Museum will result in a positive impact on both the City of Miami and Miami-Dade County based on its $300 million total project costs. The estimated one-time City of Miami total economic impacts include: $488.7 million in expenditures of which $183.6 million would be wages and salaries; and 3,635 total full time and part time person-years of employment. The one-time total Miami-Dade County impacts are estimated at $616.9 million in expenditures of which approximately $183.6 million would be wages and salaries; and 4,516 total full time and part time person-years of employment.

The ongoing operations of the Miami Science Museum, and the off-site spending of resident and tourist visitors associated with their visit, will generate total annual economic impacts to the City of Miami estimated at nearly $60.5 million in expenditures, of which $26.6 million would be wages and salaries; and 635 jobs. The annual museum operating impacts to Miami-Dade County are estimated at $95.4 million in expenditures, of which $38.2 million in wages and salaries; and a total of 914 jobs.

Most importantly, the community development and educational benefits of the new Miami Science Museum may have the most profound and long-lasting impacts on the community.  This project will enhance the knowledge of and interest in science and technology and will enhance the City of Miami as a place to live and work, thus improving all aspects of the local economy and community.

For the full report, please visit: Miami Science Museum Impact Report – April 2010