Museum of Discovery and Science
broke ground on May 26, 2010 for its new $25 million EcoDiscovery Center slated to open in the fall of 2011
- 31,000 square foot EcoDiscovery Center will effectively double the public space of the Museum -
Fort Lauderdale, – May 28, 2010 – Museum of Discovery and Science president and chief executive officer, Kim L. Cavendish, Board of Trustees and VIP guests broke ground on the new EcoDiscovery Center on Wednesday, May 26, 2010. Cavendish said, “Our new EcoDiscovery Center will explore the special nature of Florida through the lens of environmental stewardship. We are adding depth to our ability to fulfill our educational mission.”
The new EcoDiscovery Center, slated to open in the fall of 2011, is a 31,000 square foot addition that will effectively double the public space of the Museum of Discovery and Science. Visitors will experience the unique and fragile Florida environment through exciting interactive exhibits such as a simulated air boat ride, an indoor/outdoor otter habitat, a storm center and more. Classroom space will be tripled, enhancing the Museum’s capacity to deliver educational programs to both teachers and students.
During the ground breaking ceremony, Jon Ferrando, chairman of the museum’s Board of Trustees and executive vice president of AutoNation, said, “The support from the community on this project has been nothing short of amazing. In a difficult economic environment we have raised over $22.5 million to date for the expansion and renewal project.” Other speakers included: Cavendish; Keith Koenig, vice chair of the museum’s Board of Trustees and president of City Furniture; Terry Stiles, past chair of the museum’s Board of Trustees and chairman and chief executive officer of Stiles Corporation; Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler; and Jennifer Gottlieb, chairwoman of the School Board of Broward County.
AutoNation, the lead donor, stepped forward in 2007 with $3 million for the renovation and renaming of the AutoNation® IMAX® 3D Theater. AutoNation was followed by $2 million donations by: J.M. Family Enterprises, sponsoring the Great Hall of Science, and Broward Health partnering with the Museum to create a health exhibit, Powerful You, opening in November 2010.
A number of $1 million dollar donations also helped propel the campaign: Bank of America sponsored the Visitor Pavilion that was constructed in 2008; The Emil Buehler Perpetual Trust sponsored the expanded Aviation Station that came on-line October 2009; Carnival Corporation & PLC sponsored the Museum’s Coral Reef exhibit and Explorers program. Republic Services is sponsoring the Go Green recycling exhibit which will open in fall 2010, and the late Stephen A. Keller sponsored the Keller Science Theater scheduled to open March 2011.
Other major donors include Huizenga Family Foundation; Keith and Doreen Koenig, City Furniture; Wachovia, A Wells Fargo Company; Publix Super Markets Charities, Terry Stiles, Stiles Corporation; Hudson Family Foundation; Halmos Family Foundation; Federal Government; Harry T. Mangurian Foundation; Mr. Jim Oppenheimer; Mr. & Mrs. Manuel Aguero; Mr. & Mrs. Austin Forman; Mr. & Mrs. Robert Powell; Mr. & Mrs. Robert Roschman; and Sun Sentinel.
ABOUT THE AUTONATION IMAX THEATER
The AutoNation IMAX Theater, owned and operated by
the Museum of Discovery and Science, opened in 1992.
The 300-seat theater is a showcase of
state-of-the-art motion picture technology. The
AutoNation IMAX Theater features a 60 ft. x 80 ft.
screen and a 15,000 watt digital sound system that
delivers six discrete channels of clear sound
through 42 speakers. The IMAX projectors 15,000
watt Xenon bulb projects images of unsurpassed
brilliance and clarity onto the five-story-high
screen. Both 2D and 3D films are shown in the
theater. 3D films are viewed using our lightweight
XR 3D glasses, the latest technology in 3D film
viewing. The IMAX experience is an unparalleled
fusion of sight and sound. For show times, call
954.463.IMAX (4629) or visit
www.mods.org
ABOUT THE MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY AND SCIENCE
The
mission of the Museum of Discovery and Science
is to provide experiential pathways to lifelong
learning in science for children and adults
through exhibits, programs and films. Founded in
1976 as The Discovery Center, the nonprofit
facility served approximately 400,000 visitors
annually. Major operational support for the
Museum is provided through generous support by
Leadership Guild members including: JM Family Enterprises, Inc., Broward Health, Sun Sentinel and Wachovia.
The Museum is open seven days per week (365 days
a year); Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to
5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. with
extended IMAX hours on Friday and Saturday
evenings. General admission prices are $16 for
adults; $15 for seniors; $12 for children 2 to
12. Children under 2 are free. A General
Admission Ticket includes admission to the
Museum exhibits and one 45-minute IMAX film.
The Museum of Discovery and Science is located
downtown at 401 SW Second Street, Fort
Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information
about the Museum, visitors should call (954)
467-MODS (6637) or visit our web site at
www.mods.org
