The Museum of Science will unveil the William and Charlotte Bloomberg Public Science Common on Oct. 10. Bloomberg Philanthropies contributed $155 million for the 10,000-square-foot addition, marking the largest donation…
The Museum of Science, Boston today announced that construction on its new 10,000-square foot civic venue is nearing completion. The William and Charlotte Bloomberg Public Science Common will open to the public on October 10, 2026, followed by a celebratory event on October 28.
The Museum of Science will unveil the William and Charlotte Bloomberg Public Science Common on Oct. 10. Bloomberg Philanthropies contributed $155 million for the 10,000-square-foot addition, marking the largest donation in the institution’s 194-year existence.
The addition will house programs on artificial intelligence, climate change, public health, and space exploration. A celebration event is scheduled for Oct. 28, when Michael R. Bloomberg is expected to attend.
“We believe the future of science is participatory,” said Tim Ritchie, Gwill York President of the institution, per Boston Real Estate Times. “Science should belong to everyone.”
Floor-to-ceiling glass wraps the venue, offering 270-degree views of Boston and Cambridge across the Charles River. William Rawn Associates designed it. Consigli Construction Co. completed the build.
The room transforms. A dozen scientists might gather at a small roundtable. Hours later, hundreds could watch a full performance. Movable walls and retractable seating make this possible.
Ars Electronica’s Deep Space system projects ultra-high-resolution imagery across floors and walls, turning surfaces into canvases. Six movable LED video walls can be repositioned in any configuration. The d&b Soundscape spatial audio system creates three-dimensional sound environments.
Blackmagic 4K cameras and livestreaming technology will broadcast programs to audiences worldwide in real time and on demand, extending the museum’s reach across continents. The venue will also host corporate gatherings and private events.
The addition honors William and Charlotte Bloomberg, from Medford, who raised their children there. Their son Michael R. Bloomberg founded Bloomberg L.P. and Bloomberg Philanthropies. He served three terms as mayor of New York City.
“As a kid growing up outside of Boston, visiting the Museum of Science sparked a lifelong love of learning and problem-solving,” said Michael R. Bloomberg. “The Public Science Common will help ensure more young people get that experience.”
Bloomberg Philanthropies funded the William and Charlotte Bloomberg Science Education Center in 2016 with $50 million. The foundation also supported the 2011 renovation of the Charles Hayden Planetarium.
The institution was established as the Boston Society of Natural History in 1830. It adopted its current name in 1939. It opened at its current location in 1951.
The facility’s 2030 goal includes two million visitors onsite, three million learners in schools, and one billion people online per year. Daily programs for visitors will begin once the addition opens, along with special programs featuring scientists, innovators, and creators.
Programming details will be announced in the coming weeks. Visitors can join the Bloomberg Public Science Common Insider list at mos.org/bpsc-insider to hear about upcoming programs and access ticketed events.
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