The Museum of Science in Boston announced today a major renovation of its Cahners Theater, set to transform into the Public Science Common by mid-2026. This overhaul is enabled by a significant donation from Bloomberg Philanthropies, though the exact amount was not disclosed. The renovation, designed by William Rawn Associates, will replace the theater's current brick structure with state-of-the-art, floor-to-ceiling glass, providing expansive views of the Boston and Cambridge skylines.
The Public Science Common is part of the museum's broader initiative to become carbon neutral. It will serve as a flexible space for presentations, conferences, and exhibits, enhancing the museum's commitment to science education and public engagement on issues like climate change, public health, and technological advancements.
Tim Ritchie, the museum's president, emphasized the museum’s role in leveraging the intellectual capacity of the community across academia, industry, government, and the public. The project aims to make the museum a central hub for discussing contemporary problems and fostering active participation from its visitors.
This initiative builds on previous contributions by Michael Bloomberg, including a $50 million donation in 2016 to establish the William and Charlotte Bloomberg Science Education Center, named after his parents. The museum, hosting 1.4 million visitors annually, plans further integration of digital content to reach broader online audiences.