Museum Of Science Renovations | 1 Science Park | West End

[WestMedford]

I could be mistaken, but I think there are some associated improvements to surrounding exhibit areas too. For instance, they closed and have been doing construction in that extension of the blue wing between it and the parking garage (where the terrarium and insect exhibit were), same with the bottom level, south/west side, of the blue wing, beneath the new space.

So I think that page/press-release are about the Public Science Common specifically, but there might be more to the project.

Even if not, the new renovation work appears like it will let a lot more natural light into the main hall of the blue wing, which will be nice.

EDIT:
Looks like there will be some kind of new live animal exhibit where I was referring (emphasis mine):

The blue wing extension on the northwest side of the building (next to the parking garage) have entirely new bathrooms that didn’t exist before - single stall room enclosure super fancy toilets. There are three floors open to the public (“lower” level, first, and second - yes there is technically public space on the third floor but it’s very small). These new bathrooms are on both the first and second floors adjacent to the Theater of Electricity. The ancient blue wing bathrooms and elevator toward the entrance/green wing on lower, first, second currently under construction / being replaced.

I’m not aware / haven't seen any other blue wing improvements or exhibit room updates. Also neither the green nor red wings seem to be included in the scope of work.

 

[Life Coach Mike]

That can't be right, because 63 years ago I was going to the Museum of Science and the planetarium..

After World War II, the old Museum of Science building was sold, and the museum was relocated, again under the name Boston Museum of Science. Under the leadership of Bradford Washburn, the society negotiated with the Metropolitan District Commission for a 99-year lease of the land on the Charles River Dam Bridge, now known as Science Park. The museum pays $1 a year to the state for use of the land. Construction and development began in 1948, and the museum opened in 1951, arguably the first all-encompassing science museum in the country. (Wikipedia)

 

[Jeremi]

After World War II, the old Museum of Science building was sold, and the museum was relocated, again under the name Boston Museum of Science. Under the leadership of Bradford Washburn, the society negotiated with the Metropolitan District Commission for a 99-year lease of the land on the Charles River Dam Bridge, now known as Science Park. The museum pays $1 a year to the state for use of the land. Construction and development began in 1948, and the museum opened in 1951, arguably the first all-encompassing science museum in the country. (Wikipedia)

Built in 1951 and barely improved since then.

 

[Charlie_mta]

After World War II, the old Museum of Science building was sold, and the museum was relocated, again under the name Boston Museum of Science. Under the leadership of Bradford Washburn, the society negotiated with the Metropolitan District Commission for a 99-year lease of the land on the Charles River Dam Bridge, now known as Science Park. The museum pays $1 a year to the state for use of the land. Construction and development began in 1948, and the museum opened in 1951, arguably the first all-encompassing science museum in the country. (Wikipedia)

Thank you for the great info. I was going to the Boston Museum of Science by the time I was 12 (1962), including the Charles Hayden Planetarium which opened in 1958 per the Wikipedia article. I loved Spooky the owl and the interactive presentations they had with him. I went to the museum and planetarium many times, and they were a big part of my childhood.

 

[Charlie_mta]

Built in 1951 and barely improved since then.

That's not true. Huge additions were built in the 60s and 70s. The tower part of the museum and the garage were added in the late 60s, and right after that the museum buildings were expanded and extended toward the new garage.

 

[RandomWalk]

The IMAX and associated wing were built in the 1990s.

 

[Jeremi]

I’m just joking! It was a joke about the MoS exhibitions that are many generations out of date.

 

[chrisbrat]

The IMAX and associated wing were built in the 1990s.

late '80s, actually, but who's counting

 

[RandomWalk]

You are right… I was trying to remember how old I was when I got to tour the partially built IMAX and climb the scaffold supporting the screen.

 

[shmessy]

I’m just joking! It was a joke about the MoS exhibitions that are many generations out of date.

Here’s a dollar. Buy yourself a sense of humor.

.

 

[bigpicture7]

By the way, here's the architect's site for this project with some additional renders:

Museum of Science | Public Science Common | William Rawn Associates Architects

The new Public Science Common, built within the current footprint of the Museum, will replace the existing Cahners Theater with a 10,000-square-foot, flexible, multimedia venue accommodating up to 700 people and opening to 270-degree views of the Charles River through three walls of glass.

rawnarch.com

Also, per both the above architect site and the MoS's page, there are three components to the overall project:
1) the as-discussed "Public Science Common"
2) the blue wing accessibility improvements and facilities/restrooms
3) the new "live animal garden" which is going in the space between the blue wing and garage

Construction and Closure Updates

We value your patience and support as we embark on an exciting new chapter in the Museum’s history. As the Museum begins these renovations, we’re committed to keeping our exhibitions, events, and unique experiences available to you. However, to ensure the safety of our guests, we are closing...

www.mos.org