By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – Astronomy is set to make a big bang at the Science Museum this fall. That's when the Kellogg Observatory and a newly renovated Gibson Hall are expected to re-open. In the meantime, the fourth floor is closed.
This won't be your grandfather's science museum. Gibson Hall is being gutted, opened up and dusted off for an exciting new era in science discovery. The fourth floor space will be closed for the summer to undergo the much-needed upgrade.
It's the second component in the $750,00 renovation plan for the astronomy complex. Thanks to a quarter million dollar state grant two years ago, the Kellogg Observatory has already been repaired. However, it's remained closed to the public. Science Museum President David Chesebrough says it's been a long wait -- but one that will be worth it.
"We recognized that until we could do it right, and do it safely, it didn't belong as a public space," said Chesebrough. "It will be almost two years, but I'm glad that we'll be able to come out the other side with a much more engaging and supportive space for all our visitors."
The new astronomy complex will be available for nighttime and daytime observations and experiments. Up to 60 people at one time will be able to use the hands-on facilities. And when fundraising for the project is complete, the observation dome will also undergo a facelift. But Chesebrough says the museum isn't stopping there. He says the money is coming in bits and pieces, but he says with imagination, the sky is the limit.
"What we're doing is raising enough money to gut spaces, give us a platform to explore and experiment and then try the first run at that for the first year or two, and then see how we can best deploy additional fundraising efforts."
A grand opening for Astronomy Hall and the Observation Deck is scheduled for October 16th.