Foundation Donates $10 Million to Miami Science Museum
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The Miami Science Museum has received a $10 million grant from the Knight Foundation which will be used to foster science education and help strengthen Miami’s downtown cultural center, according to a statement on Wednesday.
The million dollar grant must be matched with an additional $20 million in funding, a condition that is meant to encourage additional community support, the foundation said.
“Our gift to the science museum, equal in size to an earlier gift to the art museum that will stand by its side, is a recognition of the importance of science education and of the museum’s leadership,” said Alberto Ibargüen, president and CEO of Knight Foundation., in a statement. “Knight’s challenge grant is intended to galvanize support and accelerate the exciting community transformation at Museum Park.”
The funds were given to allow Greater Miami students to visit at least once during elementary and middle school and to help the community engage in exploring science, technology and the environment.
The Knight Foundation will be recognized in the naming of the Learning Center, a high-tech meeting space for student and community groups.
“This is wonderful recognition of the excellent education work that the museum has been accomplishing for more than five decades. We can no longer adequately serve the expanding population of South Florida at our present site, and this gift for the Learning Center at the new museum serves to emphasize how education is at the heart of all we do,” said Trish and Dan Bell, co-chairs of the Museum’s Board of Trustees.
The museum is 250,000 square feet, and features a 600,000 gallon aquarium, a 3-D planetarium dome, hands-on exhibits, modern technology and exhibition space, classrooms and cafes. The new museum is expected to open in early 2015.