Boston's Museum Of Science Opening New 10,000-Square-Foot Wing

The new venue is funded by a $155 million gift from Bloomberg Philanthropies.

By Benjamin Pierce, Patch Staff

Aug 20, 2026 1:12 PM EDT | Updated Aug 20, 2026 1:43 PM EDT

BOSTON, MA — Construction is nearing completion on a new 10,000-square-foot venue at the Museum of Science on 1 Science Park that will bring scientists, innovators and the public together for programs focused on artificial intelligence, climate change, public health, space exploration and other emerging topics.

The William and Charlotte Bloomberg Public Science Common will officially open to the public on Saturday, Oct. 10, followed by a celebratory event Oct. 28, the museum announced Thursday. The new space features floor-to-ceiling glass overlooking the Charles River with 270-degree views of the Boston skyline, along with immersive media, production and livestreaming technology designed to bring programs to audiences beyond Boston. The venue will host conversations with scientists and communicators, conferences, symposia, school programs, and other public events while also being available for corporate gatherings and private events.

The Public Science Common is backed by a $155 million gift from Bloomberg Philanthropies, the largest donation in the Museum of Science's history. The space is named for William and Charlotte Bloomberg, formerly of Medford, who were the parents of Bloomberg L.P. founder and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Marjorie Tiven. Bloomberg Philanthropies has previously supported several projects at the museum, including the William and Charlotte Bloomberg Science Education Center and renovations to the Charles Hayden Planetarium.

Museum of Science President Tim Ritchie said the new space was designed around the idea of making science accessible and participatory for visitors.

"We believe the future of science is participatory," Ritchie said. "Science should belong to everyone. The William and Charlotte Bloomberg Public Science Common will be the world's stage for science: a place where scientists, creators, artists, and the public will create experiences that inspire everyone with hope for a better future."

Designed by William Rawn Associates, Architects, Inc. and built by Consigli Construction Co., Inc., the venue was created to adapt to different types of programming. Movable walls and retractable seating will allow the space to shift from small discussions between scientists to daytime school programs and larger public events with a full performance stage.

The space will also use immersive technology to create interactive science experiences. Ars Electronica's Deep Space system can project high-resolution imagery across the floor and walls, allowing visitors to explore environments ranging from the surface of Mars and the deep ocean to the inside of a living cell. Six movable LED video walls can be arranged throughout the room to display visual storytelling, astronomy and real-time space mission data.

Bloomberg said his own experiences visiting the Museum of Science while growing up outside Boston helped inspire his interest in learning and problem-solving.

"As a kid growing up outside of Boston, visiting the Museum of Science sparked a lifelong love of learning and problem-solving," Bloomberg said. "The Public Science Common will help ensure more young people get that experience, and it marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Museum."

A spatial audio system will create three-dimensional sound environments designed to transport visitors to ecosystems around the world, while 4K cameras and livestreaming technology will allow programs to reach audiences outside the museum in real time and on demand.

The Museum of Science plans to offer daily programs in the space along with special events featuring scientists, innovators, creators and public figures. Robotics demonstrations will highlight advances in automation and artificial intelligence while other presentations will focus on genetics, climate science and emerging technologies.

Bloomberg said the Public Science Common's focus on bringing people together around science also reflects the values his parents passed down to him and his sister.

"The Public Science Common captures the spirit of openness and dialogue that has always fueled progress – and it means a lot to have it named for the most important teachers my sister Marjorie and I had: our parents, William and Charlotte," Bloomberg said.