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{{Short description|Museum in Queens, New York}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2014}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2014}}
{{Infobox museum
{{Infobox museum
| name = yo mama hall of sience
| name = New York Hall of Science
| native_name =
| native_name =
| native_name_lang =
| native_name_lang =
| logo = New York Hall of Science Logo.png
| logo = New_York_Hall_of_Science_Logo.svg
| image = New_York_Hall_of_Science_(48613180593).jpg
| image = New_York_Hall_of_Science_(48613180593).jpg
| imagesize = 220px
| imagesize = 220px
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| map_caption =
| map_caption =
| map_dot_label =
| map_dot_label =
| coordinates = {{coord|40.7472|-73.8517|region:US:NY|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates = {{Coord|40.7472|-73.8517|region:US:NY_landmark|display=inline,title}}
| established = {{Start date|1964}}
| established = {{Start date|1964}}
| dissolved = <!-- {{End date|YYYY|MM|DD}} -->
| dissolved = <!-- {{End date|YYYY|MM|DD}} -->
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| visitors =
| visitors =
| founder =
| founder =
| president = Margaret Honey
| president =
| curator = Lee Livney
| owner =
| owner =
| publictransit = {{NYCS trains|Flushing local|time=bullets}} to [[111th Street (IRT Flushing Line)|111th Street]]<br> {{NYC bus link|Q23|Q58}} at 108th Street<br>{{NYC bus link|Q48}} at Roosevelt Avenue
| publictransit = [[New York City Subway|Subway]]: {{NYCS trains|Flushing local|time=bullets}} to [[111th Street (IRT Flushing Line)|111th Street]]<br>[[MTA Regional Bus Operations|Bus]]: {{NYC bus link|Q23|Q58}} at 108th Street, {{NYC bus link|Q48}} at Roosevelt Avenue
| car_park = On-site ($12 fee)
| car_park = On-site ($15 fee)
| parking =
| parking =
| network =
| network =
| website = {{URL|nysci.org}}
| website = {{URL|nysci.org}}
}}
}}

The '''New York Hall of Science''', also known as '''NYSCI''', is a [[science museum]] located in [[Flushing Meadows-Corona Park]] in the [[New York City]] [[Borough (New York City)|borough]] of [[Queens]], in the section of the park that is in [[Corona, Queens|Corona]]. It occupies one of the few remaining structures from the [[1964 New York World's Fair]], and is New York City's only hands-on [[science]] and [[technology]] center. The more than 400 hands-on exhibits focus on [[biology]], [[chemistry]], and [[physics]].
The '''New York Hall of Science''', also known as '''NYSCI''', is a [[science museum]] at [[Flushing Meadows-Corona Park]] in the [[Corona, Queens|Corona]] neighborhood of [[Queens]] in [[New York City]]. It occupies one of the few remaining structures from the [[1964 New York World's Fair]], and is New York City's only hands-on [[science]] and [[technology]] center. The more than 400 hands-on exhibits focus on [[biology]], [[chemistry]], and [[physics]].


== History ==
== History ==

=== Early years ===
{{Flushing Meadows-Corona Park map|float=left||highlight=8}}
{{Flushing Meadows-Corona Park map|float=left||highlight=8}}


The museum was established in 1964 as part of the [[1964 New York World's Fair|1964 World's Fair]] in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park,<ref name="scilif"/><ref name="remi">{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/09/22/archives/hopeful-future-museum-but-citys-hall-of-science-still-retains-aura.html|title=Hopeful Future Museum; But City's Hall of Science Still Retains Aura Reminiscent of the World's Fair|access-date=April 6, 2008|date=September 22, 1966|author=Walter Sullivan|work=The New York Times}}</ref> and at the time was one of only a few [[science museum]]s in existence.<ref name="window"/> Unlike many other institutions, which were closed immediately or soon after the Fair,<ref name="wpf">{{cite web|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-589789.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110517132936/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-589789.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 17, 2011|title=The Future was Then; NYC Dusts Off Relics of Its Word's Fairs|access-date=April 6, 2008|date=June 13, 1999|author=Jon Marcus|work=The Washington Post}}</ref> the Hall remained open after the fair, and served as a resource for students.<ref name="stude">{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1968/11/11/archives/students-bone-up-in-museum-at-old-fair-site.html|title=Students Bone Up in Museum at Old Fair Site|access-date=April 6, 2008|date=November 11, 1968|work=New York Times}}</ref> Its exhibits at the time were somewhat limited but included plans for the world's first [[atomarium]] open to the public.<ref name="atom">{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1969/01/07/archives/first-atomarium-planned-here-a-hot-reactor-open-to-public.html|title=First Atomarium Planned Here: A Hot Reactor Open to Public|access-date=April 6, 2008|date=January 7, 1969|author=Sandra Blakeslee|author-link=Sandra Blakeslee|work=New York Times}}</ref>
The museum was established in 1964 as part of the [[1964 New York World's Fair|1964 World's Fair]] in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park,<ref name="scilif"/><ref name="remi">{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/09/22/archives/hopeful-future-museum-but-citys-hall-of-science-still-retains-aura.html|title=Hopeful Future Museum; But City's Hall of Science Still Retains Aura Reminiscent of the World's Fair|access-date=April 6, 2008|date=September 22, 1966|author=Walter Sullivan|work=The New York Times}}</ref> and at the time was one of only a few [[science museum]]s in existence.<ref name="window"/> Unlike many other institutions, which were closed immediately or soon after the Fair,<ref name="wpf">{{cite news|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-589789.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110517132936/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-589789.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 17, 2011|title=The Future was Then; NYC Dusts Off Relics of Its Word's Fairs|access-date=April 6, 2008|date=June 13, 1999|author=Jon Marcus|newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref> the Hall remained open after the fair, and served as a resource for students.<ref name="stude">{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1968/11/11/archives/students-bone-up-in-museum-at-old-fair-site.html|title=Students Bone Up in Museum at Old Fair Site|access-date=April 6, 2008|date=November 11, 1968|work=New York Times}}</ref> Its exhibits at the time were somewhat limited but included plans for the world's first [[atomarium]] open to the public.<ref name="atom">{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1969/01/07/archives/first-atomarium-planned-here-a-hot-reactor-open-to-public.html|title=First Atomarium Planned Here: A Hot Reactor Open to Public|access-date=April 6, 2008|date=January 7, 1969|author=Sandra Blakeslee|author-link=Sandra Blakeslee|work=New York Times}}</ref>


The Hall remained open for 15 years, but in 1979 it was closed for major renovations, not to reopen until 1983 at the earliest. By May 1982, according to a ''New York Daily News'' article at the time, the condition of the museum had deteriorated to such a state that "paint peels from the Saturn V and Apollo hulls, and graffiti adorn the walls around the space park; chipped cement and scattered stones fill the moat beneath the hall". At the time, even though renovations were completed in 1983, city funding for the museum was severed because only $40,000 out of $8 million of promised funding had been raised.<ref name="the-physicist">[http://nysci.org/the-physicist-who-saved-the-hall-of-science/ NYSCI | The Physicist Who Saved the Hall of Science<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
The Hall remained open for 15 years, but in 1979 it was closed for major renovations, not to reopen until 1983 at the earliest. By May 1982, according to a ''New York Daily News'' article at the time, the condition of the museum had deteriorated to such a state that "paint peels from the Saturn V and Apollo hulls, and graffiti adorn the walls around the space park; chipped cement and scattered stones fill the moat beneath the hall". At the time, even though renovations were completed in 1983, city funding for the museum was severed because only $40,000 out of $8 million of promised funding had been raised.<ref name="the-physicist">{{Cite web |url=http://nysci.org/the-physicist-who-saved-the-hall-of-science/ |title=NYSCI {{!}} The Physicist Who Saved the Hall of Science<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=August 3, 2014 |archive-date=January 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220116134359/http://nysci.org/the-physicist-who-saved-the-hall-of-science/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>


=== Reopening and expansion ===
In 1984, New York City hired [[physicist]] [[Alan J. Friedman]] to help with the museum's transition<ref name="window">{{cite web|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9405E3DF1139F936A15756C0A960958260|title=A Bigger Window on Science|access-date=April 6, 2008|date=May 25, 1996|work=The New York Times}}</ref> from a focus on [[science fiction]]-type exhibits that predicted the future, to relevance to everyday lives of ordinary citizens.<ref name="nomax">{{cite web|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B02E4D9153CF932A25754C0A96F958260|title=New Yorkers & Co.; Making a Science Center Grow, Without Imax|access-date=April 6, 2008|date=July 11, 1999|author=Marcia Biederman|work=The New York Times}}</ref> At the time Friedman was appointed, the museum was basically an empty shell, having "an inch of water on the floor. All the exhibits had been given away. Even the light fixtures had been yanked out of the wall”, but renovations continued.<ref name="the-physicist"/> After it reopened in 1986, giving [[New York City]] a [[science museum]] for the first time since it had closed seven years earlier,<ref name="again">{{cite web|url=https://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F50710F63D580C768CDDA00894DE484D81|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121208155812/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F50710F63D580C768CDDA00894DE484D81|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 8, 2012|title=City Again Boasts a Science Museum|access-date=April 6, 2008|date=September 5, 1986|author=Malcolm W. Browne|work=New York Times}}</ref> plans for the display of an atom were realized with a $40,000 exhibit for a [[quantum atom]] that was a part of a $400,000 expansion and renovation at the museum.<ref name="atoma">{{cite web|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=940DEED9123FF931A25757C0A96E948260|title=Museum to Display Working Model of Atom|access-date=April 6, 2008|date=April 12, 1988|author=Malcolm W. Browne|work=New York Times}}</ref> The museum's growth and ability to draw crowds was unexpected and led to the city's pursuit of further funds and expansion.<ref name="formu">{{cite web|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=940DE3DE1F3AF934A1575BC0A96E948260|title=New York City's Hall of Science Discovers a Success Formula|access-date=April 6, 2008|date=August 27, 1988|author=Joseph P. Fried|work=The New York Times}}</ref>
In 1984, New York City hired [[physicist]] [[Alan J. Friedman]] to help with the museum's transition<ref name="window">{{cite web|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9405E3DF1139F936A15756C0A960958260|title=A Bigger Window on Science|access-date=April 6, 2008|date=May 25, 1996|work=The New York Times}}</ref> from a focus on [[science fiction]]-type exhibits that predicted the future, to relevance to everyday lives of ordinary citizens.<ref name="nomax">{{cite web|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B02E4D9153CF932A25754C0A96F958260|title=New Yorkers & Co.; Making a Science Center Grow, Without Imax|access-date=April 6, 2008|date=July 11, 1999|author=Marcia Biederman|work=The New York Times}}</ref> At the time Friedman was appointed, the museum was basically an empty shell, having "an inch of water on the floor. All the exhibits had been given away. Even the light fixtures had been yanked out of the wall”, but renovations continued.<ref name="the-physicist"/> After it reopened in 1986, giving [[New York City]] a [[science museum]] for the first time since it had closed seven years earlier,<ref name="again">{{cite web|url=https://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F50710F63D580C768CDDA00894DE484D81|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121208155812/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F50710F63D580C768CDDA00894DE484D81|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 8, 2012|title=City Again Boasts a Science Museum|access-date=April 6, 2008|date=September 5, 1986|author=Malcolm W. Browne|work=New York Times}}</ref> plans for the display of an atom were realized with a $40,000 exhibit for a [[quantum atom]] that was a part of a $400,000 expansion and renovation at the museum.<ref name="atoma">{{cite web|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=940DEED9123FF931A25757C0A96E948260|title=Museum to Display Working Model of Atom|access-date=April 6, 2008|date=April 12, 1988|author=Malcolm W. Browne|work=New York Times}}</ref> The museum's growth and ability to draw crowds was unexpected and led to the city's pursuit of further funds and expansion.<ref name="formu">{{cite web|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=940DE3DE1F3AF934A1575BC0A96E948260|title=New York City's Hall of Science Discovers a Success Formula|access-date=April 6, 2008|date=August 27, 1988|author=Joseph P. Fried|work=The New York Times}}</ref>


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The museum's role in the life of city school children continued, and in 1991 it announced plans for a ten-year, $80 million renovation and expansion to be able to meet the needs of a growing visitorship.<ref name="scilif">{{cite web|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D0CE6D8103CF933A05753C1A967958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all|title=Science Centers Help Bring Schoolwork to Life|access-date=April 6, 2008|date=October 30, 1991|author=Michel Marriott|work=New York Times}}</ref> Further expansion, which included a new entrance rotunda, driveway, cafe, gift shop and theater, as well as a {{convert|30,000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} science playground, began in 1996<ref name="window"/> and reflected the need for constant updates in science museums to keep their displays up to date and relevant. In recognition of its continued upgrading, the Hall was granted the status of a New York City [[cultural institution]], given to a limited number of organizations.<ref name="const">{{cite web|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9504EFDC1039F932A15756C0A960958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all|title=A New Star in Constellation of Art's Giants; Queens Landmark Wins a Coveted Cultural Title|access-date=April 6, 2008|date=May 21, 1996|author=Pam Belluck|work=The New York Times}}</ref>
The museum's role in the life of city school children continued, and in 1991 it announced plans for a ten-year, $80 million renovation and expansion to be able to meet the needs of a growing visitorship.<ref name="scilif">{{cite web|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D0CE6D8103CF933A05753C1A967958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all|title=Science Centers Help Bring Schoolwork to Life|access-date=April 6, 2008|date=October 30, 1991|author=Michel Marriott|work=New York Times}}</ref> Further expansion, which included a new entrance rotunda, driveway, cafe, gift shop and theater, as well as a {{convert|30,000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} science playground, began in 1996<ref name="window"/> and reflected the need for constant updates in science museums to keep their displays up to date and relevant. In recognition of its continued upgrading, the Hall was granted the status of a New York City [[cultural institution]], given to a limited number of organizations.<ref name="const">{{cite web|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9504EFDC1039F932A15756C0A960958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all|title=A New Star in Constellation of Art's Giants; Queens Landmark Wins a Coveted Cultural Title|access-date=April 6, 2008|date=May 21, 1996|author=Pam Belluck|work=The New York Times}}</ref>


Like most museums in New York, the Hall of Science spent much of 2020&ndash;2021 closed to the public due to the [[coronavirus pandemic]]. The museum reopened in July 2021, but closed soon after in September due to flooding damage from [[Hurricane Ida]].<ref>[https://sunnysidepost.com/new-york-hall-of-science-in-corona-reopens-with-new-happiness-exhibit New York Hall of Science in Corona Reopens With New "Happiness" Exhibit]</ref> The museum reopened in February 2022.<ref>[https://www.qchron.com/editions/central/nysci-reopening-saturday-feb-19/article_79b2359e-90e0-11ec-8a69-6feb0a9a242b.html NYSCI reopening Saturday, Feb. 19; New York Hall of Science flooded and shut down amid Ida's wrath]</ref>
The New York Hall of Science temporarily closed in March 2020 due to the [[coronavirus pandemic]].<ref name="Mohamed q965">{{cite web |last=Mohamed |first=Carlotta |date=March 13, 2020 |title=New York Hall of Science to temporarily close it doors beginning March 14 – QNS |url=https://qns.com/2020/03/new-york-hall-of-science-to-temporarily-close-it-doors-beginning-march-14/ |access-date=May 16, 2024 |website=QNS}}</ref> The museum reopened in July 2021<ref>{{cite web |author=Michael Dorgan |date=July 8, 2021 |title=New York Hall of Science in Corona Reopens With New "Happiness" Exhibit |url=https://sunnysidepost.com/new-york-hall-of-science-in-corona-reopens-with-new-happiness-exhibit |work=Sunnyside Post}}</ref> but closed again in September after flooding damage from [[Hurricane Ida]].<ref name="Tyler m948">{{cite web |last=Tyler |first=Dana |date=February 22, 2022 |title=New York Hall of Science reopens after sustaining extensive damage from Hurricane Ida remnants |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/new-york-hall-of-science-reopens-corona-queens-margaret-honey/ |access-date=May 16, 2024 |website=CBS New York}}</ref> The museum then reopened in February 2022.<ref name="Tyler m948" /><ref name="Smith f397">{{cite web |last=Smith |first=Steve |date=February 23, 2022 |title=New York Hall of Science is happy to be open again |url=https://gothamist.com/arts-entertainment/new-york-hall-science-reopened |access-date=May 16, 2024 |website=Gothamist}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Peter C. Mastrosimone |date=February 18, 2022 |title=NYSCI reopening Saturday, Feb. 19; New York Hall of Science flooded and shut down amid Ida's wrath |url=https://www.qchron.com/editions/central/nysci-reopening-saturday-feb-19/article_79b2359e-90e0-11ec-8a69-6feb0a9a242b.html |access-date=November 21, 2022 |work=Queens Chronicle}}</ref>


===Funding===
== Funding ==
In 2005, the Hall was among 406 [[New York City]] arts and social service institutions to receive part of a $20 million grant from the [[Carnegie Corporation]], which had been made possible through a donation by New York City mayor [[Michael Bloomberg]].<ref name="citg">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/06/nyregion/06donate.html?ex=1278302400&en=93a1beabd4ede5b8&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss|title=City Groups Get Bloomberg Gift of $20 Million|access-date=March 12, 2008|date=July 6, 2005|author=Sam Roberts|work=The New York Times}}</ref><ref name="carn">{{cite web|url=http://carnegie.org/sub/news/anon2005.html |title=Carnegie Corporation of New York Announces Twenty Million Dollars in New York City Grants |access-date=March 12, 2008 |publisher=Carnegie Corporation of New York |date=July 5, 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080310235744/http://carnegie.org/sub/news/anon2005.html |archive-date=March 10, 2008 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref> The Hall has continued to receive funding from a number of sources essential to its operation and expansion.<ref name="pigb">{{cite web|url=http://washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080403/NATION/53069335/0/FRONTPAGE|title='Pig Book' Tallies $17.2 Billion in Pork|access-date=April 6, 2008|date=April 3, 2008|author=S.A. Miller|work=The Washington Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080412042634/http://washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20080403%2FNATION%2F53069335%2F0%2FFRONTPAGE|archive-date=April 12, 2008|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="cqp">{{cite web|url=http://cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?parm1=5&docID=news-000002691125 |title=Lobbyists Find Finance Roles in Congressional Campaigns |access-date=April 6, 2008 |publisher=CQ Politics |date=March 20, 2008 |author=Bart Jansen, Alex Knott |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080326022110/http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?parm1=5&docID=news-000002691125 |archive-date=March 26, 2008 }}</ref> This represented a welcome change for the museum from the 1990s during which severe cuts in funding threatened its ability to operate successfully.<ref name="fiscal">{{cite web|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D0CEEDC1538F931A25754C0A967958260|title=Fiscal Woe Takes Toll on the Arts|access-date=April 6, 2008|date=July 12, 1991|author=Glenn Collins|work=The New York Times}}</ref>
In 2005, the Hall was among 406 [[New York City]] arts and social service institutions to receive part of a $20 million grant from the [[Carnegie Corporation]], which had been made possible through a donation by New York City mayor [[Michael Bloomberg]].<ref name="citg">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/06/nyregion/06donate.html?ex=1278302400&en=93a1beabd4ede5b8&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss|title=City Groups Get Bloomberg Gift of $20 Million|access-date=March 12, 2008|date=July 6, 2005|author=Sam Roberts|work=The New York Times}}</ref><ref name="carn">{{cite web|url=http://carnegie.org/sub/news/anon2005.html |title=Carnegie Corporation of New York Announces Twenty Million Dollars in New York City Grants |access-date=March 12, 2008 |publisher=Carnegie Corporation of New York |date=July 5, 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080310235744/http://carnegie.org/sub/news/anon2005.html |archive-date=March 10, 2008 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref> The Hall has continued to receive funding from a number of sources essential to its operation and expansion.<ref name="pigb">{{cite web|url=http://washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080403/NATION/53069335/0/FRONTPAGE|title='Pig Book' Tallies $17.2 Billion in Pork|access-date=April 6, 2008|date=April 3, 2008|author=S.A. Miller|work=The Washington Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080412042634/http://washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20080403%2FNATION%2F53069335%2F0%2FFRONTPAGE|archive-date=April 12, 2008|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="cqp">{{cite web|url=http://cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?parm1=5&docID=news-000002691125 |title=Lobbyists Find Finance Roles in Congressional Campaigns |access-date=April 6, 2008 |publisher=CQ Politics |date=March 20, 2008 |author=Bart Jansen, Alex Knott |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080326022110/http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?parm1=5&docID=news-000002691125 |archive-date=March 26, 2008 }}</ref> This represented a welcome change for the museum from the 1990s during which severe cuts in funding threatened its ability to operate successfully.<ref name="fiscal">{{cite web|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D0CEEDC1538F931A25754C0A967958260|title=Fiscal Woe Takes Toll on the Arts|access-date=April 6, 2008|date=July 12, 1991|author=Glenn Collins|work=The New York Times}}</ref>


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The Hall mainly focuses on education for children ages 1–17 and its audience consists primarily of city children for whom the exposure to science is something new.<ref name="musinno">{{cite web|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=990CEEDC1238F93BA25750C0A961958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all|title=Museum Innovator Delights in Bringing Science to the Public|access-date=April 6, 2008|date=March 18, 1997|author=Malcolm W. Browne|work=New York Times}}</ref> The museum includes a large permanent collection<ref name="fedt">{{cite web|url=http://federaltimes.com/index.php?S=3464110|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121209043233/http://federaltimes.com/index.php?S=3464110|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 9, 2012|title=Exploring Manhattan -- and Beyond|access-date=April 6, 2008|date=April 6, 2008|author=Adam Stone|work=Federal Times|df=mdy-all}}</ref> as well as a range of travelling exhibitions. Although somewhat more common now, the museum was among the first to have its young visitors assess its exhibits and it welcomed their feedback in preparation for the re-opening in 1986.<ref name="grade">{{cite web|url=https://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB0616FA3D5D0C768DDDA00894DD484D81|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121209000618/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB0616FA3D5D0C768DDDA00894DD484D81|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 9, 2012|title=Hall of Science in Queens Asks Youths to Grade It|access-date=April 6, 2008|date=September 15, 1985|author=Joseph P. Fried|work=New York Times}}</ref> The Hall's permanent exhibitions include:
The Hall mainly focuses on education for children ages 1–17 and its audience consists primarily of city children for whom the exposure to science is something new.<ref name="musinno">{{cite web|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=990CEEDC1238F93BA25750C0A961958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all|title=Museum Innovator Delights in Bringing Science to the Public|access-date=April 6, 2008|date=March 18, 1997|author=Malcolm W. Browne|work=New York Times}}</ref> The museum includes a large permanent collection<ref name="fedt">{{cite web|url=http://federaltimes.com/index.php?S=3464110|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121209043233/http://federaltimes.com/index.php?S=3464110|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 9, 2012|title=Exploring Manhattan -- and Beyond|access-date=April 6, 2008|date=April 6, 2008|author=Adam Stone|work=Federal Times|df=mdy-all}}</ref> as well as a range of travelling exhibitions. Although somewhat more common now, the museum was among the first to have its young visitors assess its exhibits and it welcomed their feedback in preparation for the re-opening in 1986.<ref name="grade">{{cite web|url=https://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB0616FA3D5D0C768DDDA00894DD484D81|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121209000618/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB0616FA3D5D0C768DDDA00894DD484D81|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 9, 2012|title=Hall of Science in Queens Asks Youths to Grade It|access-date=April 6, 2008|date=September 15, 1985|author=Joseph P. Fried|work=New York Times}}</ref> The Hall's permanent exhibitions include:
{{div col|gap=10em|colwidth=30em}}
{{div col|gap=10em|colwidth=30em}}
*Connections: The Nature of Networks
*Feedback
*[[Gingerbread Lane]]
*[[Gingerbread Lane]]
*Hidden Kingdoms: The World of Microbes<ref name="ceye">{{cite web|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D0CE3DF173CF933A05757C0A967958260|title=A Child's-Eye View of Microscopic Realms|access-date=April 6, 2008|date=April 30, 1991|author=Malcolm E. Browne|work=The New York Times}}</ref>
*Hidden Kingdoms: The World of Microbes<ref name="ceye">{{cite web|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D0CE3DF173CF933A05757C0A967958260|title=A Child's-Eye View of Microscopic Realms|access-date=April 6, 2008|date=April 30, 1991|author=Malcolm E. Browne|work=The New York Times}}</ref>
*[[Mathematica: A World of Numbers... and Beyond]]
*[[Mathematica: A World of Numbers... and Beyond]]
*Marvelous Molecules- The Secret of Life
*Preschool Place
*Preschool Place
*Realm of the Atom
*Rocket Park<ref name="nomax"/>
*Rocket Park<ref name="nomax"/>
*Science Playground<ref name="playn">{{cite web|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9802E6D61E3DF932A15755C0A96E958260|title=Playing in the Neighborhood|access-date=April 6, 2008|date=June 21, 1998|author=Victoria Young|work=New York Times}}</ref>
*Science Playground<ref name="playn">{{cite web|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9802E6D61E3DF932A15755C0A96E958260|title=Playing in the Neighborhood|access-date=April 6, 2008|date=June 21, 1998|author=Victoria Young|work=New York Times}}</ref>
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File:NY Hall of science7988.JPG|Rocket Park
File:NY Hall of science7988.JPG|Rocket Park
File:Flight form display FMPC jeh.jpg|''Forms in Transit'' by [[Theodore Roszak (artist)|Theodore Roszak]], near the east entrance (cast in 1964)
File:Flight form display FMPC jeh.jpg|''Forms in Transit'' by [[Theodore Roszak (artist)|Theodore Roszak]], near the east entrance (cast in 1964)

File:GeminiCapsule 20231024 081031.jpg|Titan Rocket Booster

</gallery>
</gallery>

==See also==
* [[1964 New York World's Fair pavilions]]
* [[List of museums and cultural institutions in New York City]]

==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Reflist|30em}}

Latest revision as of 22:11, 7 June 2024

New York Hall of Science
Entrance with the original building, constructed for the 1964 New York World's Fair, in the background (2019)
Map
Established1964 (1964)
Location47-01 111th Street
Corona, New York
Coordinates40°44′50″N 73°51′06″W / 40.7472°N 73.8517°W / 40.7472; -73.8517
TypeScience-technology museum
AccreditationASTC
Public transit accessSubway: "7" train train to 111th Street
Bus: Q23, Q58 at 108th Street, Q48 at Roosevelt Avenue
Nearest car parkOn-site ($15 fee)
Websitenysci.org

The New York Hall of Science, also known as NYSCI, is a science museum at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in the Corona neighborhood of Queens in New York City. It occupies one of the few remaining structures from the 1964 New York World's Fair, and is New York City's only hands-on science and technology center. The more than 400 hands-on exhibits focus on biology, chemistry, and physics.

History[edit]

Early years[edit]

Attractions and geographical features of Flushing Meadows–Corona Park
Map
About OpenStreetMaps
Maps: terms of use
1km
0.6miles
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World's Fair station (demolished)
13
12
Unisphere
11
Queens Museum
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Queens Botanical Garden
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New York State Pavilion and Queens Theatre
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New York Hall of Science
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National Tennis Center
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Mets–Willets Point (LIRR and subway stations)
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Flushing River and Creek
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Flushing Meadows Corona Park Aquatics Center
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Flushing Meadows Carousel and Queens Zoo
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Citi Field

Attractions and geographical features of Flushing Meadows–Corona Park:
1
Citi Field
2
Flushing Meadows Carousel and Queens Zoo
3
Flushing Meadows Corona Park Aquatics Center
4
Flushing River and Creek
5
Meadow Lake
6
Mets–Willets Point (LIRR and subway stations)
7
National Tennis Center
8
New York Hall of Science
9
New York State Pavilion and Queens Theatre
10
Queens Botanical Garden
11
Queens Museum
12
Unisphere
13
Willow Lake
14
World's Fair station (demolished)

The museum was established in 1964 as part of the 1964 World's Fair in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park,[1][2] and at the time was one of only a few science museums in existence.[3] Unlike many other institutions, which were closed immediately or soon after the Fair,[4] the Hall remained open after the fair, and served as a resource for students.[5] Its exhibits at the time were somewhat limited but included plans for the world's first atomarium open to the public.[6]

The Hall remained open for 15 years, but in 1979 it was closed for major renovations, not to reopen until 1983 at the earliest. By May 1982, according to a New York Daily News article at the time, the condition of the museum had deteriorated to such a state that "paint peels from the Saturn V and Apollo hulls, and graffiti adorn the walls around the space park; chipped cement and scattered stones fill the moat beneath the hall". At the time, even though renovations were completed in 1983, city funding for the museum was severed because only $40,000 out of $8 million of promised funding had been raised.[7]

Reopening and expansion[edit]

In 1984, New York City hired physicist Alan J. Friedman to help with the museum's transition[3] from a focus on science fiction-type exhibits that predicted the future, to relevance to everyday lives of ordinary citizens.[8] At the time Friedman was appointed, the museum was basically an empty shell, having "an inch of water on the floor. All the exhibits had been given away. Even the light fixtures had been yanked out of the wall”, but renovations continued.[7] After it reopened in 1986, giving New York City a science museum for the first time since it had closed seven years earlier,[9] plans for the display of an atom were realized with a $40,000 exhibit for a quantum atom that was a part of a $400,000 expansion and renovation at the museum.[10] The museum's growth and ability to draw crowds was unexpected and led to the city's pursuit of further funds and expansion.[11]

At the time of its re-opening, the museum was unique in that it also provided a training program for science majors who could then go on to study under a tuition waiver program at nearby Queens College[12] in exchange for committing to spend at least two years in city schools who needed science educators.[13]

The museum's role in the life of city school children continued, and in 1991 it announced plans for a ten-year, $80 million renovation and expansion to be able to meet the needs of a growing visitorship.[1] Further expansion, which included a new entrance rotunda, driveway, cafe, gift shop and theater, as well as a 30,000-square-foot (2,800 m2) science playground, began in 1996[3] and reflected the need for constant updates in science museums to keep their displays up to date and relevant. In recognition of its continued upgrading, the Hall was granted the status of a New York City cultural institution, given to a limited number of organizations.[14]

The New York Hall of Science temporarily closed in March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.[15] The museum reopened in July 2021[16] but closed again in September after flooding damage from Hurricane Ida.[17] The museum then reopened in February 2022.[17][18][19]

Funding[edit]

In 2005, the Hall was among 406 New York City arts and social service institutions to receive part of a $20 million grant from the Carnegie Corporation, which had been made possible through a donation by New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg.[20][21] The Hall has continued to receive funding from a number of sources essential to its operation and expansion.[22][23] This represented a welcome change for the museum from the 1990s during which severe cuts in funding threatened its ability to operate successfully.[24]

Exhibits[edit]

The Hall mainly focuses on education for children ages 1–17 and its audience consists primarily of city children for whom the exposure to science is something new.[13] The museum includes a large permanent collection[25] as well as a range of travelling exhibitions. Although somewhat more common now, the museum was among the first to have its young visitors assess its exhibits and it welcomed their feedback in preparation for the re-opening in 1986.[26] The Hall's permanent exhibitions include:

Gallery[edit]

  • Rocket Park
    Rocket Park
  • Forms in Transit by Theodore Roszak, near the east entrance (cast in 1964)
    Forms in Transit by Theodore Roszak, near the east entrance (cast in 1964)
  • Titan Rocket Booster
    Titan Rocket Booster

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b Michel Marriott (October 30, 1991). "Science Centers Help Bring Schoolwork to Life". New York Times. Retrieved April 6, 2008.
  2. ^ Walter Sullivan (September 22, 1966). "Hopeful Future Museum; But City's Hall of Science Still Retains Aura Reminiscent of the World's Fair". The New York Times. Retrieved April 6, 2008.
  3. ^ a b c "A Bigger Window on Science". The New York Times. May 25, 1996. Retrieved April 6, 2008.
  4. ^ Jon Marcus (June 13, 1999). "The Future was Then; NYC Dusts Off Relics of Its Word's Fairs". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on May 17, 2011. Retrieved April 6, 2008.
  5. ^ "Students Bone Up in Museum at Old Fair Site". New York Times. November 11, 1968. Retrieved April 6, 2008.
  6. ^ Sandra Blakeslee (January 7, 1969). "First Atomarium Planned Here: A Hot Reactor Open to Public". New York Times. Retrieved April 6, 2008.
  7. ^ a b "NYSCI | The Physicist Who Saved the Hall of Science". Archived from the original on January 16, 2022. Retrieved August 3, 2014.
  8. ^ a b Marcia Biederman (July 11, 1999). "New Yorkers & Co.; Making a Science Center Grow, Without Imax". The New York Times. Retrieved April 6, 2008.
  9. ^ Malcolm W. Browne (September 5, 1986). "City Again Boasts a Science Museum". New York Times. Archived from the original on December 8, 2012. Retrieved April 6, 2008.
  10. ^ Malcolm W. Browne (April 12, 1988). "Museum to Display Working Model of Atom". New York Times. Retrieved April 6, 2008.
  11. ^ Joseph P. Fried (August 27, 1988). "New York City's Hall of Science Discovers a Success Formula". The New York Times. Retrieved April 6, 2008.
  12. ^ William H. Honan (October 26, 1988). "Culture Commissioner Looks Back in Humor at a Bumpy First Year". New York Times. Retrieved April 6, 2008.
  13. ^ a b Malcolm W. Browne (March 18, 1997). "Museum Innovator Delights in Bringing Science to the Public". New York Times. Retrieved April 6, 2008.
  14. ^ Pam Belluck (May 21, 1996). "A New Star in Constellation of Art's Giants; Queens Landmark Wins a Coveted Cultural Title". The New York Times. Retrieved April 6, 2008.
  15. ^ Mohamed, Carlotta (March 13, 2020). "New York Hall of Science to temporarily close it doors beginning March 14 – QNS". QNS. Retrieved May 16, 2024.
  16. ^ Michael Dorgan (July 8, 2021). "New York Hall of Science in Corona Reopens With New "Happiness" Exhibit". Sunnyside Post.
  17. ^ a b Tyler, Dana (February 22, 2022). "New York Hall of Science reopens after sustaining extensive damage from Hurricane Ida remnants". CBS New York. Retrieved May 16, 2024.
  18. ^ Smith, Steve (February 23, 2022). "New York Hall of Science is happy to be open again". Gothamist. Retrieved May 16, 2024.
  19. ^ Peter C. Mastrosimone (February 18, 2022). "NYSCI reopening Saturday, Feb. 19; New York Hall of Science flooded and shut down amid Ida's wrath". Queens Chronicle. Retrieved November 21, 2022.
  20. ^ Sam Roberts (July 6, 2005). "City Groups Get Bloomberg Gift of $20 Million". The New York Times. Retrieved March 12, 2008.
  21. ^ "Carnegie Corporation of New York Announces Twenty Million Dollars in New York City Grants". Carnegie Corporation of New York. July 5, 2005. Archived from the original on March 10, 2008. Retrieved March 12, 2008.
  22. ^ S.A. Miller (April 3, 2008). "'Pig Book' Tallies $17.2 Billion in Pork". The Washington Times. Archived from the original on April 12, 2008. Retrieved April 6, 2008.
  23. ^ Bart Jansen, Alex Knott (March 20, 2008). "Lobbyists Find Finance Roles in Congressional Campaigns". CQ Politics. Archived from the original on March 26, 2008. Retrieved April 6, 2008.
  24. ^ Glenn Collins (July 12, 1991). "Fiscal Woe Takes Toll on the Arts". The New York Times. Retrieved April 6, 2008.
  25. ^ Adam Stone (April 6, 2008). "Exploring Manhattan -- and Beyond". Federal Times. Archived from the original on December 9, 2012. Retrieved April 6, 2008.
  26. ^ Joseph P. Fried (September 15, 1985). "Hall of Science in Queens Asks Youths to Grade It". New York Times. Archived from the original on December 9, 2012. Retrieved April 6, 2008.
  27. ^ Malcolm E. Browne (April 30, 1991). "A Child's-Eye View of Microscopic Realms". The New York Times. Retrieved April 6, 2008.
  28. ^ Victoria Young (June 21, 1998). "Playing in the Neighborhood". New York Times. Retrieved April 6, 2008.

External links[edit]

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