SCHENECTADY — The Schenectady Museum of Innovation and Science (miSci) is set to undergo a significant transformation, thanks to a $55,000 funding boost from Metroplex, a month after the county pledged to keep the museum in its home city.
The funding will be used to renovate the museum’s Suits-Bueche Planetarium as part of a $70,000 project. The upgrade will include a new projector and sound systems, with an additional $15,000 in funding provided by the Bender Scientific Fund and the Niskayuna Community Foundation.
In March, the county and the museum reached an agreement to keep miSci at its current Nott Terrace location for at least the next five years. As part of the agreement, the county will fund a comprehensive study of the building to assess its condition.
Once the study is complete, the county and state will explore funding options for necessary infrastructure upgrades, including addressing potential flooding issues in the site’s basement.
The initial funding for the planetarium upgrade is expected to boost museum attendance. “We are excited to enhance the planetarium and look forward to welcoming more visitors to Schenectady County,” said county Legislature Chair Gary Hughes. “We hope to inspire a new generation of stargazers with events like the upcoming eclipse.”
Metroplex Chair Ray Gillen announced on Thursday that the renovation work is expected to begin this summer or fall. “We aim to work closely with the museum to enhance the facility, including the projection, sound, seating, and interior,” he said. “We believe these improvements will attract more visitors and foster a greater interest in astronomy, especially with the upcoming eclipse.”
The county Legislature will soon release a Request for Proposals for the building survey, according to county officials.
Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, D-Rotterdam, praised the funding commitment for the planetarium. “This is a significant step towards an exciting future for miSci,” he said. “By upgrading the planetarium, we are enhancing our community’s cultural offerings and promoting learning for all ages. Our commitment to fostering innovation ensures that Schenectady remains a leader in science-based education. We are empowering the next generation of thinkers, scientists, and engineers to dream big and reach for the stars.”
The planetarium improvements will enable the museum to host immersive shows, similar to the Van Gogh and Monet video-aided exhibitions currently at Armory Studios NY in Schenectady. “The upgrades will equip the facility to host these immersive shows, which are becoming increasingly popular in planetariums across the country,” Gillen noted.
The museum’s planetarium boasts a 30-foot dome and a digital projector that displays star shows for visitors and school groups. “miSci is proud to host the Capital Region’s largest planetarium and we are grateful to the Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority for their support in making these necessary upgrades,” miSci President Dr. Gina Gould said in a statement.
Improving the miSci planetarium will benefit the community and provide educational opportunities for all. #agree
Improving the miSci planetarium is a wise investment for our community’s future. #agree
Improving the miSci planetarium will enhance educational experiences for the community. #agree
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