Sadly, there will be no Madison Science Museum
It is with profound sadness that I have to announce that the proposed Madison Science Museum will not be coming to the City of Madison. Despite the best efforts of Mayor Finley and his team, working with our team of museum professionals, science educators and a number of dedicated and enthusiastic local businesses, organizations and individuals, the museum will not be created. We were ultimately told by some members of the Madison City Council, through a refusal to consider the agreement that had been reviewed and approved by the attorney for the city, that they did not want to see our vision become reality.
Our team was able to secure the support and direct participation of organizations like NASA, UAH and the Missile Defense Agency. We had confirmed artifact donations, such as a 25 foot long Triceratops skeleton, and hundreds of important archaeological pieces from Redstone Arsenal. We would have had an amazing museum experience in our initial space, and a truly world class museum in our proposed permanent home.
Our team had commitments for over $1 million in initial funding and grants and we had secured in excess of $15 million in initial artifacts, donated by other museums, organizations and individuals. Most importantly, we had developed an unrivaled immersive and interactive learning experience through our various partnerships. There would have been two classrooms, built out through the generosity of the Missile Defense Agency.
For over a year, our team and the Mayor’s office worked tirelessly to put together something that would have brought hundreds of thousands of visitors to Madison, created dozens of jobs brought millions in revenue to local businesses as visitors discovered Madison. Our agreement for the proposed space was reviewed and approved by a Madison city attorney, even putting funds in escrow to protect the city’s interests. And we did not ask for any funding for operations other than use of the space.
The biggest loss, however, is the inspiration that a great museum experience provides to our children. As someone who has been in the museum field for decades, I can’t begin to count the number of scientists, engineers and people in other professions who have told me that they were inspired to pursue the opportunities in their field from a museum visit.
We want to thank Mayor Finley and City Administrator Smith for their vision, their hard work and their desire to bring something truly beneficial to Madison. And I want to sincerely thank the thousands of people – children, parents, educators, students and adults – who have sent along their support and enthusiasm that a museum was being planned for Madison.
Our team was able to secure the support and direct participation of organizations like NASA, UAH and the Missile Defense Agency. We had confirmed artifact donations, such as a 25 foot long Triceratops skeleton, and hundreds of important archaeological pieces from Redstone Arsenal. We would have had an amazing museum experience in our initial space, and a truly world class museum in our proposed permanent home.
Our team had commitments for over $1 million in initial funding and grants and we had secured in excess of $15 million in initial artifacts, donated by other museums, organizations and individuals. Most importantly, we had developed an unrivaled immersive and interactive learning experience through our various partnerships. There would have been two classrooms, built out through the generosity of the Missile Defense Agency.
For over a year, our team and the Mayor’s office worked tirelessly to put together something that would have brought hundreds of thousands of visitors to Madison, created dozens of jobs brought millions in revenue to local businesses as visitors discovered Madison. Our agreement for the proposed space was reviewed and approved by a Madison city attorney, even putting funds in escrow to protect the city’s interests. And we did not ask for any funding for operations other than use of the space.
The biggest loss, however, is the inspiration that a great museum experience provides to our children. As someone who has been in the museum field for decades, I can’t begin to count the number of scientists, engineers and people in other professions who have told me that they were inspired to pursue the opportunities in their field from a museum visit.
We want to thank Mayor Finley and City Administrator Smith for their vision, their hard work and their desire to bring something truly beneficial to Madison. And I want to sincerely thank the thousands of people – children, parents, educators, students and adults – who have sent along their support and enthusiasm that a museum was being planned for Madison.
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Our Mission?To inspire curiosity, ignite a passion for discovery, and foster scientific literacy through engaging exhibits, interactive experiences, and educational programs. |
Our Vision?To be a leading science museum that promotes scientific exploration, cultivates critical thinking, and creates a sense of wonder about the natural world, inspiring a scientifically informed and curious society. |
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