History
The museum was established in 1964 as part of the World's Fair in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park and at the time was one of only a few science museums in existence. Unlike many other institutions, which were closed immediately or soon after the Fair, the Hall remained open after the fair, and served as a resource for students. Its exhibits at the time were somewhat limited but included plans for the world's first atomarium open to the public. The Hall remained open until 1979, when it closed for major renovations.
New York City hired physicist Alan Friedman in 1984 to help with the museum's transition and he oversaw the change from a focus on science fiction to relevance in the lives of everyday lives. After it re-opened in 1986 giving New York City a science museum for the first time since it had closed seven years earlier, plans for the display of an atom were realized with a $40,000 exhibit for a quantum atom that was a part of a $400,000 expansion and renovation at the museum. The museum's growth and ability to draw crowds was unexpected and led to the city's pursuit of further funds and expansion.
At the time of its re-opening, the museum was unique in that it also provided a training program for science majors who could then go on to study under a tuition waiver program at nearby Queens College in exchange for committing to spend at least two years in city schools who needed science educators. Its role in the life of city school children continued, and in 1991 it announced plans for a ten-year, $80 million renovation and expansion to be able to meet the needs of a growing visitorship. Further expansion, which included a new entrance, dining area and a science playground began in 1996 and reflected the need for constant updates in science museums to keep their displays up to date and relevant. In recognition of its continued upgrading, the Hall was granted the status of a New York City cultural institution, given to a limited number of organizations.
In 1999 the decision was made to continue to grow and expand the museum without benefit of an IMAX, since it was determined the market was already saturated. Instead, funds were spent on doubling its exhibition space and restoring its famous outdoor rockets, which were donated by NASA for the World's Fair and returned in 2003. Also in 2003, the Hall announced "Tech City" its $300m proposal for a science center as one of the cultural institutions located at Ground Zero. "Tech City" made the short list of fifteen finalists in February 2004, during a process that was criticized for a lack of openness and transparency, but was not ultimately chosen. It continues to look for a satellite location in Manhattan while it thrives in Queens.
Read more about this topic: New York Hall Of Science
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