Museum of Science, Boston Tops $250 Million Campaign Goal by $34 Million

Saturday, July 18, 2015

On June 30, the Museum of Science, Boston closed its $250 million campaign -- the largest fundraising effort in its 185 years -- exceeding its goal by $34 million.

"Thanks to our extraordinary benefactors and partners -- some of whom have run marathons and climbed mountains to support us -- we have made spectacular progress in transforming over half our 130,000 square feet of gallery space, enhancing our visitors' experience, greening our facility, and dramatically expanding our K-12 engineering initiative," says Museum president and director Ioannis Miaoulis. "We are ready to take on the future. Our goal is to become the leading science center worldwide in expanding the public's access to, understanding of, and critical thinking around engineering, technology, and the sciences."

Museum campaign milestones include launching the National Center for Technological Literacy® (which has reached an estimated 8.3 million students and 93,600 teachers), and Gordon Current Science & Technology Center, constructing the 32,000 square-foot Gordon Wing, transforming and reopening the Charles Hayden Planetarium, creating the 10,000-sq. ft. Hall of Human Life, and installing the nation's first rooftop wind turbine lab and solar panels.

At the June 18 annual trustees and overseers meeting, the Museum elected its first female board chairs to serve simultaneously: Gwill York, co-founder and managing director of Lighthouse Capital Partners, leading trustees, and Christine Bellon, vice president of legal affairs, Blueprint Medicines, leading overseers. Museum trustees approved a Long-Range Plan, building on its strengths as one of world's largest centers for dynamic, interactive science and technology exhibits and programs and its growing national and global leadership in K-12 engineering education.

On June 28, the Museum hosted the world premiere of its 10,000-square-foot Science Behind Pixar exhibition, and will continue development of its Yawkey Gallery on the Charles River opening in 2016.

Related Links:

• Museum Campaign Press Release