The popular Liberty Science Center in Jersey City will reopen in its original location on July 19, 2007, bursting with exhibits on skyscrapers, infectious diseases around the world, and the relationship between nature and humans along the Hudson River.
Since November of 2005, the center, a fun destination for elementary schools, families, and IMAX movie fans, has been moved to a temporary location in the old Central Railroad Terminal building at the northeast end of Liberty State Park while reconstruction progresses at the original location nearby.
On Wednesday afternoon, members of the press and invited guests were given a sneak peek of the $109 facelift being given to the structure.
Tours were given of new sections that will greet the general public when the grand reopening occurs on July 19, rescheduled from July 4, 2007.
The center has served over nine million guests since it opened in 1993.
The project will expand the center from 196,000 to 296,070 square feet and include new entrances, spaces for exhibitions, as well as a restaurant and a gift shop.
There will be a large aquarium tank in one of the exhibits.
Speaking at the tour were LSC President and CEO Emlyn Koster and longtime LSC Board member Joseph Williams.
Williams spoke about the initial vision leading to the creation of the center, referring to articles written on science centers in the Newark Star-Ledger in October 1977.
“I do believe the vision will be fulfilled and that it is going to be an indispensable resource to the region,” said Koster.New highlights
When the Liberty Science Center reopens, there will be several new exhibitions covering 63,000 square feet of space.
The new exhibitions include:
“Skyscraper! Achievement and Impact”
At 12,800 square feet, the “Skyscraper” exhibition will be the largest permanent exhibition in the center. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the science and technology behind some of the world’s tallest buildings.
These will include the 75-story Dubai Tower in the United Arab Emirates, scheduled for completion in 2008, and Jersey City’s own Goldman Sachs building, the largest building in the state.
“Our Hudson Home”
This 8,500 square- foot exhibition is dedicated to exploring the relationship between nature and humanity in the use of the Hudson River. Divided into five areas, the exhibit will feature an oversized aquarium tank and smaller tanks containing fish and other organisms.
“Infection Connection”
The 7,500 square- foot exhibition will educate people on infectious diseases throughout the world and the global fight against these diseases. The exhibition will be divided into six areas.
“Communication”
Another 7,500 square- foot exhibition that will look at human communication through body language, writing and drawing, and the modern mediums of print, audio, and video.
“I explore!” (children ages 2-6)
Children will enjoy going through this 6,100 square-foot area where they will learn about the world around them as well as themselves, with such activities as making music on a rock xylophone and checking out a climbing structure.
Places for educators to exhibit
Along with the exhibitions, the 19,000 square-foot Center for Science Learning and Teaching (CSLT) is also slated to open. This area located on the ground floor will provide space for educators to set up scientific competitions, demonstrations, and discussions.
The CSLT will employ tools such as the Global Microscope, an eight-foot diameter glass globe in which video projections of various environmental happenings around the world can be shown, and the IMAX Theatre to show various documentaries. Taking the tour
On Wednesday, Jersey City Deputy Mayor Leona Beldini, who also represents the city on the LSC Board, emphasized the importance of the center.
“This project is amazing, and I am honored to be here.” said Beldini. “It makes Jersey City even more of a destination, not just for tourism but also for learning.”
Emlyn Koster led the tour along with John Dolan of Skanska USA, the firm building the center.
One of the unique features of the new center is a steel column from the Twin Towers retrieved from Ground Zero, which will be part of the “Skyscraper” exhibit.
Koster said the rainwater run-off from the center and its parking lot will be directed into a wetland area nearby.
Wayne Labar, vice president of exhibitions and theaters for the science center, is excited about opening day.
“I will have a major sense of accomplishment and a major sense of relief,” said Labar. “There will be some groundbreaking and very intriguing exhibits for people to see.”
Ricardo Kaulessar can be reached at rkaulessar@hudsonreporter.com