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.

“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.

Click on the video below to virtually “fly through” the new Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science:

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.

Latest renderings of the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science:

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Check out the gallery below to browse through some of our latest media hits.

Media Clips (sorted by date)

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“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 10^th year. The 10^th 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 5^th 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:

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For more information about the Galaxy Gala or Miami Science Museum, please visit: http://miamisci.org

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

First, surveyors from Miller Legg used Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to identify the locations of buried solid objects on the land and then developed a drawing interpreting the GPR findings. Then, they used the drawing to mark the ground with locations of buried objects, in this case the steel sheet piling and concrete slip wall caps of one of the boat slips of the old Port of Miami.

New Museum Construction Managers Suffolk Construction, then performed the construction work shown in the pictures below. Remnants of the slip wall and concrete caps were located in seven places on the project site during the excavation project. In addition to the steel sheet pilings and the concrete cap of the slip wall were old wood timbers, concrete slabs and foundations of waterfront buildings associated with the old Port.

To view pictures of the excavation process, please click here: Miami Science Museum Site Excavation Photo Binder

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