Richard Gilder Center for Science Opens February 17 in New York

The Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation will open on February 17 in New York's Central Park area. Designed by Studio Gang, founded by Jeanne Gang, the 21,000-square-meter structure features sculptural interiors inspired by water droplets and ice crystals, with a facade of pink Milford granite. It connects the existing American Museum of Natural History buildings and includes a theater, library, exhibition spaces, the Susan and Peter J. Solomon Family Insectarium, and the Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium with 80 butterfly species. Interior design is by Ralph Appelbaum Associates. In 2020, the project received the 67th Annual Progressive Architecture Awards. Museum president Ellen Futter emphasized the urgency of scientific literacy. The center was funded by New York City and State, with private donations. The American Museum of Natural History, opened in 1871, holds over 34 million specimens and offers educational programs like the Lang Science Program and Science Research Mentorship Program.