On Thursday, Sept. 10, Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, New Jersey broke ground on Project Supernova, a $40 million expansion that is slated to contain several interactive science attractions. Some of the new attractions planned include Physics Mini Golf, a Sept. 11 Memorial Garden and a Kids Corner.
The Kids Corner serves as a space where children and goats will have playgrounds located across from one another with supervised interactions. Physics mini golf is more than just a normal 18-hole course, as it is designed with scientific principles in mind, testing players on both their physical and mental capabilities. The Sept. 11 Memorial Garden will feature beams from the original World Trade Center, relocated from a former exhibition, which were donated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in recognition of the Center’s assistance to investigators in the aftermath of the attacks.
Also included in the project is River Rising, a 6,600-square-foot exhibition, which teaches guests about the Hudson River and the ongoing challenges that it faces due to climate change. The experience will help provide visitors with a more in-depth understanding of the rivers and the issues at hand. The expansion will also be adding more wildlife to Liberty Science Center through a new River Otter Habitat, which gives guests a perfect view to watch these creatures while also learning about the effects of water pollution on their population in the Hudson River.
“Project Supernova is a vibrant fusion of science, ecology, and culture,” said LSC President and CEO Paul Hoffman. “It’s presented through new immersive environments that are interactive and educational, and upgrades to existing iconic experiences that LSC is famous for. The project celebrates the intersection of science and culture, honoring New Jersey’s famous scientific legacy and natural ecosystems. And true to the DNA of Liberty Science Center, the project is bold, forward-looking, and inclusive, and it transforms the Center into an all-weather campus where learning is fun, hands-on, and accessible to all. Many thanks to Governor Sherrill and the EDA for embracing this game-changing expansion.”
The renovations are supported by the NJEDA Cultural Arts Facilities Expansion (CAFE) program. Liberty Science Center is the first cultural institution in the state to receive support through the CAFE program. The widely-anticipated project is officially underway and intended to improve the experience of visitors coming to Liberty Science Center to learn more about information on a variety of different topics.