Milestone for LSC expansion

Originally appeared in the Jersey Journal on Friday, May 19, 2006

By MARGO CHALY

The reopening of a larger and improved Liberty Science Center in Jersey City drew a little closer yesterday as the last steel beam was put in place.

The commemorative beam, signed by employees and members of the board of trustees, was unveiled during the afternoon ceremony celebrating the 100,000-square-foot, $108 million expansion of the museum. It will be 295,000 square feet when it reopens in July 2007.

The addition will house staff offices and one new gallery and make room for more exhibition space in the existing building.

"It is our goal that students of the region develop a large appetite for science early on," said LSC CEO/President Dr. Emlyn Koster. "We are a place of lifelong learning and understand the important role of a museum in the local community."

When the Liberty Science Center opened 13 years ago, it was the intention of the founders to expand it within a decade. The new changes are meant to accommodate the more than 800,000 yearly visitors.

Meanwhile, as construction continues, the "Eat and Be Eaten" exhibit featuring live animals can be found at the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal at Liberty State Park.