City of Miami Approves Funding for Museum Park

CITY OF MIAMI APPROVES FUNDING FOR REMEDIATION OF MUSEUM PARK, CLEARING PATH FOR CONSTRUCTION OF MIAMI ART MUSEUM AND MIAMI SCIENCE MUSEUM

June 17, 2010 – Miami – The board of commissioners of the City of Miami Omni Community Redevelopment Agency (Omni CRA) has unanimously approved the release of funds for the environmental remediation of eight acres of Museum Park, the 29-acre waterfront parcel that will include new facilities for Miami Art Museum and the Miami Science Museum. The eight acre remediation process will clear the path for the construction of the new museum facilities. Remediation will begin within weeks, with the goal of finalizing the process by early November of this year.

The CRA vote follows the May 2010 announcement that Miami Art Museum is eligible to receive $100 million in County bond proceeds. These public funds, coupled with $45 million in private donations raised to date, will finance construction and occupancy of the museum’s new Herzog & de Meuron-designed building, which is slated for completion by 2013.

Miami Science Museum is following not far behind. The plans for the building, with aquarium, planetarium and interactive exhibits are progressing through planning and were recently accepted by Miami’s Urban Development Review Board. $165 Million of General Obligation Bonds have been allocated to this project and private fundraising is well underway. Construction of the 250,000 square foot Grimshaw Architects-designed building is expected to begin in late 2011, with the museum’s doors scheduled to open in 2014.

“The remediation process will be the first visible sign of development progress at the Museum Park site,” said Aaron Podhurst, chairman of Miami Art Museum’s board of trustees. “Once the process is completed this fall, Miami Art Museum will begin moving forward with construction of our new home. Miami is only a few years away from welcoming what will be one of the world’s great art museums, a cultural port that will serve as a gateway for exchanging art and ideas with the rest of the world.”

Dan Bell, co-chair of the Miami Science Museum board of trustees believes the economic impact of Museum Park factored into the positive Omni CRA vote. “The City of Miami and Miami-Dade County understand the importance of fast-tracking the development of Museum Park,” said Mr. Bell. “In addition to providing our community with world-class venues for arts, culture, and science exploration, Museum Park will stimulate much needed job creation and economic growth in our urban core.”

The construction of Museum Park is expected to direct $20 million dollars to local businesses, create more than 1,700 jobs including 100 new museum jobs, generate hundreds of millions of dollars in new tax revenue, and lure up to 600,000 visitors to downtown Miami annually, according to a community benefits study conducted by the independent Washington Group. The park is expected to spur a $2 billion economic impact in its first decade.

Miami Art Museum

Miami Art Museum, located at 101 W Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130, serves one of the most diverse and fast-growing regions of the country, where a confluence of North and Latin American cultures adds vibrancy and texture to the civic landscape. Miami Art Museum embraces its role as a cultural anchor and touchstone in a city that welcomes countless ethnic and age groups, lifestyles and ideas. Miami Art Museum’s far-ranging vision is expressed in the breadth and depth of its exhibition program, and its ambitious education and public programs. The Museum continues to build its collection of holdings from the 20th century through the present, as it embarks on a major new building and expansion project. The new Miami Art Museum, designed by Herzog & de Meuron, will open in downtown Miami’s Museum Park in 2013. For more information about Miami Art Museum, please visit miamiartmuseum.org or call 305.375.3000.

Miami Art Museum is located at 101 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130. Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 10am – 5pm; Saturday through Sunday, Noon – 5pm; Closed Mondays. Admission is free for MAM members, children under 12 and students (with valid ID); adults $8; seniors $4; Second Saturdays are Free for Families. Parking is $5 (with museum validation) at 50 NW 2nd Ave. Metro: Government Center Station.

Miami Science Museum (MiaSci)

The Miami Science Museum aims to make a difference in people’s lives by inspiring them to appreciate the impact that science and technology can have on every facet of our world. For over 60 years, MiaSci’s award-winning educational programs, family-focused exhibits, historic planetarium, and rehabilitative Wildlife Center and Clinic have enriched locals and tourists alike. In 2014, the legacy continues as MiaSci will be moving to a new world-class, state-of-the-art facility designed by Grimshaw Architects in the heart of downtown Miami. The Museum will remain operational at its current location on South Miami Avenue until completion of the new building. MiaSci is accredited by the American Association of Museums and is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. For more information about the Museum and our New Museum project, visit www.miasci.org/blog or call (305) 646-4200.

Miami Science Museum is located at 3280 South Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33129. The Museum is open every day from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm. Admission is free for MiaSci members and children under 3; students (with valid ID), seniors (62+) and children 3 – 12, $10.95; adults are $14.95. Parking is free.