Long Island Science Center Celebrates Grand Opening, New Location

RIVERHEAD, NY — It's great news for Riverhead: The Long Island Science Center is set to celebrate its grand opening at a new location in town.

A ribbon-ceremony will take place on Jan. 17 at 4 p.m. at the new space, located at 40 Peconic Ave. The opening comes after a two-year hiatus, following a temporary relocation to Rocky Point; the facility was formerly located on W. Main St. at the site of what is now Peconic Crossing, a mixed use apartment development.

The new Riverhead location is designed as a demo/exhibition space with technology and engagement in mind, said Larry Oxman, president of the center’s board, who was a driving force in the move back to Riverhead and the new technology driven offerings.

“The Long Island Science Center, with all new interactive exhibits, is challenging and engaging children and adults in science, technology, art, and innovation," Oxman said. "It is so rewarding to see the smiles and expressions of visitors as they experience the new hands-on exhibits, including virtual reality and augmented reality.”

The Peconic Avenue location was previously occupied by BNB Bank, and the Long Island Science Center, in a release, noted that a "generous grant" from BNB Bank provided the funding needed to take over the space.

One of the highlights of the new space is an interactive, augmented reality exhibit of elaborately detailed Leonardo da Vinci models. The models, originally commissioned by IBM, were created by Roberto Guatelli and Joe Mirabella, the release said. Mirabella donated the collection to the Science Center.

The board said they hope the exhibition will allow visitors to draw parallels between da Vinci’s revolutionary ideas and Long Island’s own history of technological innovation in fields such as aerospace and engineering.

Additionally, the space features an augmented reality sandbox, where children and adults alike can dig and create real time topographical terrain while exploring subjects such as watershed and relief. There is also an interactive virtual reality experience where users choose options such as a trip under the sea to swim with dolphins, or an expedition to learn about dinosaurs.

Another must-see is an illumination station, an 8'-wide lit pegboard where visitors can create different designs. "Think giant 'Lite-Brite,'" the release said.

Creative tech also comes into play at a 3D pen drawing station, where mini models can be created, and an augmented reality coloring station that brings the user’s creations to life when viewed through a tablet.

On display for more tactile patrons is a magnetic wall with an interactive space to explore force, friction, and gravity using ramps, cups, and balls, and a building room dedicated to exploring engineering concepts and design, the release said.

The Long Island Science will be open to the public beginning on Jan. 19. Admission is $10, or visitors can join as a member for $125 annually and enjoy free admission and programs year-round.

Patch photos courtesy Long Island Science Center.