Miami Science Museum’s 10th Annual Galaxy Gala will kickoff the 2012 Museum Groundbreaking with a “Big Bang”

Signature Gala Events will Celebrate the Coming of the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science and Culminate with the New Museum’s Groundbreaking Event the Following Week

The Miami Science Museum has announced that their groundbreaking for the new $275 million museum waterfront project will be taking place on Friday, February 24th 2012, as part of a weeklong celebration of festivities beginning with their annual Galaxy Gala and Big Bang events on Saturday, February 18, 2012. Originally founded in 2003 by Board Chairs Trish & Dan Bell, the Galaxy Gala will shine the spotlight on the 60+ year mission of the Miami Science Museum and its future as the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science and culminate in the Big Bang after party hosted by the museum’s next generation of leaders, the Young Patrons.

Designed by internationally renowned Grimshaw Architects, the 250,000 square-foot Miami Science Museum 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, never-before-seen technology and two additional wings of exhibition space, classrooms and cafes.

The new Miami Science Museum will be an anchor of the 29-acre Museum Park overlooking Biscayne Bay. Museum Park is Miami’s urban redesign vision for the area now known as Bicentennial Park. Gala Co-Chair and real estate expert 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 and is central to the efforts to strengthen greater Miami’s momentum as an emerging global capital.” Museum Park will provide a vibrant mix of green space and cultural offerings, and in addition to the landmark new facilities for Miami Science Museum the park will also be the future home of the Miami Art Museum.

Chaired by Nancy & Jonathan Batchelor and Nicole & Edgar Lozano, this year’s event will feature galactic-themed décor, live music, dancing, performance artists and a laser entertainment experience. Arrivals for the Galaxy Gala will begin at 6:30pm along with a cocktail reception and silent auction, followed by a seated dinner. The Gala will also honor important community leaders that include: David Lawrence who will receive the Vanguard Award; Walter Revell who will receive the Miami Science Museum Award; and, The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation who will be presented with the Visionary Award. At 10pm the Gala will transform into the Big Bang, a high-energy dance party designed to integrate young professionals into the event. The Big Bang is chaired by Izzy Havenick.

Gala Co-Chair Nicole Lozano has been visiting the museum since she was nine years old. “The 10th Anniversary of the Gala represents a great milestone in the Miami Science Museum’s history,” says Lozano. “This is a time to celebrate the new museum and the benefits it will bring to our children and community for years to come.”

The 10th Annual Galaxy Gala & Big Bang event takes place on Saturday, February 18, 2012 at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami & Hotel Beaux Arts. (345 Avenue of the Americas, Miami, FL 33131). Arrivals for the Gala begin at 6:30pm. The Big Bang runs from 10pm-2am. Admission to the Galaxy Gala is by invitation only. Tickets for the Big Bang will be available separately for sale after the holidays.

For media inquiries please contact:

MEDIA CONTACT
Ryan Hattaway, President
1.800.MOGUL PR (1-800-664-8577 x 702) | c. 786.877.8129
ryan@mogulpr.com

INFORMATION AND TICKETING
Galaxy Gala: Ruth Robinson (305) 646-4249 rrobinson@miamisci.org
Big Bang: Tony Lima (305) 646-4209 tlima@miamisci.org
Event & Tickets Website: http://www.miamisci.org/www/gala_intro.php
Online Media Portal: www.miamisci.org/media
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MiamiScienceMuseum
Twitter: www.twitter.com/miasci

ABOUT THE PATRICIA AND PHILLIP FROST MUSEUM OF SCIENCE
Renowned London-NYC-Melbourne based firm, Grimshaw Architects, has completed a phenomenal concept design of the new 250,000 SF LEED certified green structure featuring a revolutionary three-story aquarium, a roof-top Wildlife Center with hanging gardens and animals, a 3-D multi-media digital Planetarium Dome that changes colors by night, and an observatory and VIP Lounge with exceptional views offering an optimal entertainment venue visible both by night and day from car, ship, plane and Museum park. Project Construction Managers, Boston based Suffolk Construction and San Francisco based Webcore Builders, will break ground in spring 2012.

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 2014, 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.


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