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News 6.11.08 CT Science Center Announces Saint Francis Investment Sets Stage for Constantly Changing Exhibit Features
(Hartford, CT) June 11, 2008: Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center today announced an investment of $1.5 million to support the new Connecticut Science Center’s traveling exhibition gallery, which will offer changing attractions throughout the year. The 7,000 square foot special gallery, a platform for an ongoing schedule of featured science exhibitions, will play a major role in presenting Connecticut with new opportunities to explore the most contemporary science issues and discoveries. The first feature in the traveling exhibit gallery is the thrilling exhibit Speed, launching when the Science Center opens in spring 2009. The Speed exhibition showcases the science and mathematics of acceleration, g-force, horsepower and other principles that are present in our daily lives. Then, in February 2010, the traveling exhibition gallery will feature Ends of the Earth, which showcases the issues of climate change and endangered species in a way that non-scientists can understand. Speed and Ends of the Earth are just two of many traveling exhibits. The Science Center expects to feature several new exhibits in the gallery every year. “At Saint Francis, we believe that the health of our community is a multi-faceted responsibility, including assuring that this region enjoys important learning opportunities that raise our awareness and knowledge of the science within and around us,” said Christopher M. Dadlez, President and Chief Executive Officer of Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center. “The Science Center’s traveling exhibition gallery will bring exciting and relevant science to the community on a changing basis.” The partnership between the two institutions includes the development of co-sponsored programs, mini-exhibits and simulcasts. “This is an important partnership for the better education and quality of life of our community,” said Ted Sergi, President & CEO of the Science Center. “Saint Francis – with a mission of investing in, supporting and showcasing the leading ideas and trends in science, healthcare, technology and public welfare – is going to play a leading role in presenting the most exciting science exhibitions available right here in Hartford.” The Connecticut Science Center also announced today significant construction progress as it prepares to open next spring. “Our construction site is abuzz with activity,” said Sergi. “On a given day, there are at least 100 people on the job site working on everything from the exterior glass to putting up sheetrock inside. It’s truly impressive how quickly the building continues to evolve.” Several significant advances have been made on the new Science Center. The glass, which accounts for 48% of the exterior, continues to wrap the building; the entire structure is expected to be fully enclosed by late August. At plaza level, which tops the three-story parking garage, preparations are underway to create three 25-foot long openings between the Riverfront Recapture’s Mortensen Riverfront Plaza and the Science Center’s Phoenix Science Plaza. On the inside of the building, electrical wiring is being run in parts of the building, and sheet rock is closing in mechanical shafts. Corrections to the signature Magic Carpet roof have been successful and crews have begun to erect scaffolding in the soaring Science Alley below in order to apply finishing material to the underside of the roof. About the Connecticut Science Center The Connecticut Science Center, now under construction in downtown Hartford, will spark creative imagination and an appreciation for science by immersing visitors in fun and educational hands-on, interactive experiences. Visitors will experience 200 exhibits in 10 galleries and a range of topics, including space and earth sciences, physical sciences, biology, the Connecticut River watershed, Connecticut inventors and innovations, a children’s gallery, and much more. Other visitor amenities include four educational labs, a 206-seat 3D digital cinema, function room, gift store and café, and ongoing events and lectures for all ages. The Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing science education throughout the state of Connecticut, providing learning opportunities for students and adults of all ages, and engaging the community in scientific exploration. Opening is expected spring 2009.
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