The Liberty Science Center (LSC) in Jersey City and the Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) in Morristown are being awarded tax credits under the Cultural Arts Facilities Expansion (CAFE) Program run by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA).
LSC and MPAC are the first to receive perks under the new CAFE program, which will be used to renovate existing spaces and expand guest experiences, the NJEDA said in a press release. The improvements are anticipated to increase attendance, generate revenue for local businesses, and bolster the state’s arts and cultural sector.
“New Jersey is home to a thriving arts and culture sector that strengthens our state’s economy and highlights our incredible diversity and talent,” said Governor Phil Murphy.
“The expansion of vibrant cultural institutions like the Liberty Science Center and the Mayo Performing Arts Center will serve as an economic catalyst for communities across the state, increasing quality of life for New Jerseyans and expanding economic opportunities for arts and culture organizations,” Murphy added.
Liberty Science Center Upgrades
The LSC was approved for an award of 100 percent of eligible project costs, not to exceed $39.8 million. Located in Liberty State Park in Jersey City, the Liberty Science Center is a 300,000-square-foot interactive museum that attracts more than 800,000 visitors annually and serves as a hub for large-scale art installations, live and media arts performances, and on-site cultural events.
Project Supernova will add more than 100,000 square feet of outdoor exhibition space and rehabilitate the center’s current exhibitions, including the Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium, which is the largest and most technologically advanced planetarium in the Western Hemisphere.
New immersive science exhibits and cultural experiences in the outdoor sections will transform the Liberty Science Center into an all-weather destination where learning is hands-on and accessible to all.
“With construction now underway on SciTech Scity, Jersey City has become a model for how investment in innovation can transform an entire community,” said Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop. “We’re thankful for this NJEDA funding to make future upgrades at Liberty Science Center, reinforcing our city’s role as a national leader in driving jobs, growth, and opportunity for generations to come.”
Construction of Project Supernova is anticipated to start during the first quarter of 2026 and last 30 months. New outdoor attractions include:
- Physics-themed mini golf
- A river otter habitat
- A goat playground and barn
- 9/11 memorial garden featuring two structural beams salvaged from the World Trade Center site
- A master landscaping plan that ties together the outdoor experiences to create a cohesive, cultural campus
“This major expansion of LSC is a vibrant fusion of science, ecology, and culture, honoring New Jersey’s famous scientific legacy and natural ecosystems,” said President and CEO of Liberty Science Center Paul Hoffman.
“True to the DNA of Liberty Science Center, the project is bold, forward-looking, and inclusive, transforming the Center into an all-weather campus and world-class tourist destination where learning is fun, hands-on, and accessible to all. I am grateful to Governor Murphy and the EDA for embracing this visionary project,” Hoffman added.
Renovations at Mayo Performing Arts Center
A historic 1,300-seat venue and cultural institution in Morristown for over 30 years, the Mayo Performing Arts Center was approved for an award of 100 percent of eligible project costs, not to exceed $65 million. The center attracts over 240,000 patrons annually and generates more than $18 million in economic impact, the NJEDA said.
The project will add more than 31,000 square feet of new construction, including an arts and education center, artist spaces, and studios. More than 16,000 square feet of existing spaces will be renovated, and the 46,000-square-foot historic theater auditorium will be restored. New spaces and upgrades to the property will expand the center’s Performing Arts School and update its artistic offerings, enhancing learning opportunities and increasing attendance.
“Morristown’s arts community has always been a source of pride for our town,” said Morristown Mayor Timothy P. Dougherty. “The expansion of the Mayo Performing Arts Center will build on that legacy, bringing more opportunities for creativity, education, and community. This investment will help keep Morristown a destination where the arts continue to thrive and strengthen our local economy.”
The CAFE Program
The CAFE Program aims to increase cultural arts activities across the state, attract visitors, boost engagement with the arts in underserved communities, and revitalize downtowns by providing tax credits to build or renovate facilities, including aquariums, historical societies, libraries, galleries, and museums. Eligible awardees can receive tax credits covering 100 percent of eligible project costs, up to $75 million. For more information on the program, click here.
The CAFE Program aims to:
– Elevate arts and culture as a key sector within the state’s economy.
– Attract visitors to the state and local communities.
– Increase the number of first-rate art and cultural experiences for residents and visitors.
– Promote equitable engagement with the arts for underrepresented groups and underserved communities.
The tax credits are transferable and can be sold.
About the NJEDA
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger, fairer economy.
Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the State’s economic vitality and quality of life and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.
To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov.