Gillian Thomas, CEO, Patricia and
Phillip Frost Museum of Science
Gillian Thomas, president and CEO of Miami’s Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science, is confident the high-profile relocation of the museum to its “next generation” new home on Miami’s waterfront will be completed despite a turbulent few weeks.
Reports of a $45m (£31m, €42m) shortfall in funding were assuaged when Patricia and Phillip Frost, the project’s main donors, stepped in with a bridge loan and appointed a new board of trustees.
“The importance of the Frost Museum project and the stage we’ve got to means it’s something everyone wants to see happen,” Thomas says.
The Grimshaw-designed attraction is entering the final construction phase, but ran up higher bills than expected and is struggling to meet the total project cost of $307m (£214m, €284m). The Miami-Dale County Commission is considering a proposal to provide the extra funding.
The 250,000sq ft (32,225sqm) building is set to feature a 3D planetarium, a wildlife centre and hands-on exhibits exploring everything from aviation to human health. The planetarium is an example of the innovative and progressive nature of the attraction, as it’s going to be possible to see projections on the outside and inside of the dome. The science museum is also working with the New World Symphony and videographer Jonathan Kane to develop an interactive exhibit for the new full dome.
Thomas says they are working with Kane to create something where “people can listen to the music while seeing what is happening inside their brain projected on the walls. That’s the kind of weird and wonderful thing we’re trying to develop.”
Meanwhile, Thomas says the museum’s aquarium will “take you on a journey through five habitats; from the inland Everglades to an amazing moment of reveal as you enter the Gulf Stream and see our 510,000 gallon tank.”
“It will get people to realise the importance of these habitats and provide a feeling of wanting to do something to preserve it. It’s going to be extremely beautiful,” Thomas says.
“Not everything will be there at day one. We see the museum as a kind of canvas, and some elements will come along later.”
See: Frosts act to save museum, page 20
Read more from this issue of Attractions Management magazine
View contents of Attractions Management 2016 issue 1
Interview: Tony Butler
Tony Butler, executive director of Derby
Museums Trust, on how museums can
be a force for good in their communities
Attractions: Perfect Brew
At 15 years old, the Guinness Storehouse
has been voted Europe’s best-loved
attraction. Manager Paul Carty reveals
the secrets of the Dublin brandland
Profile: John McReynolds
IAAPA’s new chairman reveals his aims
for the year ahead, his vision for a
global association and how his role at
Universal Orlando informs his goals
Analysis: The Attractions Business
Business planning consultant
David Camp starts an exclusive eight-part
series, delving into the fine art of attractions
operation from a business perspective
Science Centres: How to Future-Proof a Science Centre
Peter Slavenburg of design agency
NorthernLight describes how invisible
technology, serious play, co-creation
and the digital experience will inform
the science centre of tomorrow
Promotional feature: Simworx Ventures
Simworx Ventures is bringing its expertise in cutting-edge media-based attractions
to a new audience of museums, heritage sites, zoos and aquariums
Technology: Beacons on the Horizon
Beacons have countless applications in
the world of attractions. A case study
from the Cleveland Museum of Art
illustrates the technology’s potential
Museums & Galleries: Art Attack
Some of the most exciting attractions
design is happening in new and
upcoming galleries around the world,
from firms like Kengo Kuma and BIG
Promotional feature: IDEA
2016 is shaping up to be an interesting year for the attractions industry.
IDEA looks at what it takes to win audiences and command attention
Mystery Shopper: Spring in Your Step
We disappear down the rabbit hole as we
pay a mystery shopper visit to Bounce
Below, a unique underground trampolining
attraction in Snowdonia, north Wales
Rides: The Ride Makers
Our ride makers series continues with
water rides, a firm favourite with park
guests. Three leading companies reveal
the latest trends in flumes and chutes
Technology: Tech Check
The industry technology unveiled at
IAAPA 2015: from VR to interactives, and
digital puppets to 20-storey LED giants
Gillian Thomas, CEO, Patricia and
Phillip Frost Museum of Science
Gillian Thomas, president and CEO of Miami’s Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science, is confident the high-profile relocation of the museum to its “next generation” new home on Miami’s waterfront will be completed despite a turbulent few weeks.
Reports of a $45m (£31m, €42m) shortfall in funding were assuaged when Patricia and Phillip Frost, the project’s main donors, stepped in with a bridge loan and appointed a new board of trustees.
“The importance of the Frost Museum project and the stage we’ve got to means it’s something everyone wants to see happen,” Thomas says.
The Grimshaw-designed attraction is entering the final construction phase, but ran up higher bills than expected and is struggling to meet the total project cost of $307m (£214m, €284m). The Miami-Dale County Commission is considering a proposal to provide the extra funding.
The 250,000sq ft (32,225sqm) building is set to feature a 3D planetarium, a wildlife centre and hands-on exhibits exploring everything from aviation to human health. The planetarium is an example of the innovative and progressive nature of the attraction, as it’s going to be possible to see projections on the outside and inside of the dome. The science museum is also working with the New World Symphony and videographer Jonathan Kane to develop an interactive exhibit for the new full dome.
Thomas says they are working with Kane to create something where “people can listen to the music while seeing what is happening inside their brain projected on the walls. That’s the kind of weird and wonderful thing we’re trying to develop.”
Meanwhile, Thomas says the museum’s aquarium will “take you on a journey through five habitats; from the inland Everglades to an amazing moment of reveal as you enter the Gulf Stream and see our 510,000 gallon tank.”
“It will get people to realise the importance of these habitats and provide a feeling of wanting to do something to preserve it. It’s going to be extremely beautiful,” Thomas says.
“Not everything will be there at day one. We see the museum as a kind of canvas, and some elements will come along later.”
See: Frosts act to save museum, page 20
Read more from this issue of Attractions Management magazine
View contents of Attractions Management 2016 issue 1
Interview: Tony Butler
Tony Butler, executive director of Derby
Museums Trust, on how museums can
be a force for good in their communities
Attractions: Perfect Brew
At 15 years old, the Guinness Storehouse
has been voted Europe’s best-loved
attraction. Manager Paul Carty reveals
the secrets of the Dublin brandland
Profile: John McReynolds
IAAPA’s new chairman reveals his aims
for the year ahead, his vision for a
global association and how his role at
Universal Orlando informs his goals
Analysis: The Attractions Business
Business planning consultant
David Camp starts an exclusive eight-part
series, delving into the fine art of attractions
operation from a business perspective
Science Centres: How to Future-Proof a Science Centre
Peter Slavenburg of design agency
NorthernLight describes how invisible
technology, serious play, co-creation
and the digital experience will inform
the science centre of tomorrow
Promotional feature: Simworx Ventures
Simworx Ventures is bringing its expertise in cutting-edge media-based attractions
to a new audience of museums, heritage sites, zoos and aquariums
Technology: Beacons on the Horizon
Beacons have countless applications in
the world of attractions. A case study
from the Cleveland Museum of Art
illustrates the technology’s potential
Museums & Galleries: Art Attack
Some of the most exciting attractions
design is happening in new and
upcoming galleries around the world,
from firms like Kengo Kuma and BIG
Promotional feature: IDEA
2016 is shaping up to be an interesting year for the attractions industry.
IDEA looks at what it takes to win audiences and command attention
Mystery Shopper: Spring in Your Step
We disappear down the rabbit hole as we
pay a mystery shopper visit to Bounce
Below, a unique underground trampolining
attraction in Snowdonia, north Wales
Rides: The Ride Makers
Our ride makers series continues with
water rides, a firm favourite with park
guests. Three leading companies reveal
the latest trends in flumes and chutes
Technology: Tech Check
The industry technology unveiled at
IAAPA 2015: from VR to interactives, and
digital puppets to 20-storey LED giants
OMA has completed a major transformation of New York's New Museum, creating a larger
cultural campus that combines expanded exhibition spaces with learning, performance,
hospitality and public programming.
A US$50 million (£44.2 million, €51.2 million) transformation of Chicago's historic McCormick
Mansion has created a new destination that combines live magic, immersive theatre, dining and
private membership under one roof.
The Montana Historical Society has officially celebrated the opening of its new Montana
Heritage
Center, a US$107 million (£79 million, €92 million) destination that combines immersive
storytelling with cutting-edge audiovisual technology to bring the sta
San Antonio Zoo has reported a US$283 million economic impact for 2025, following a decade-
long transformation programme that has seen almost US$200 million invested into the Texas
attraction.
Plans for the AU$180 million redevelopment of Reef HQ Aquarium in Townsville, Australia, are
progressing, with the project set to transform the attraction into a global centre for reef
education and conservation.
Abu Dhabi-based investment firm Mubadala Capital has made a binding, fully financed
€1 billion
offer to acquire Pierre and Vacances SA, the European holiday resort operator behind the
continental European Center Parcs business.
Disney has reaffirmed its commitment to investing US$30 billion in its US parks and cruise
business by 2033, using new America250 celebrations to underline the role its attractions play
in supporting jobs, tourism and economic growth.
Expo 2030 Riyadh is being planned as a permanent visitor destination, with organisers
confirming the six-million-square-metre site will become a Global Village after the event closes.
The owner of one of Australia's best-known waterparks has acquired a major competitor,
creating a new attractions business spanning two of the country's largest visitor destinations.
The Toverland theme park in the Netherlands has announced a €98m expansion programme
that will add a resort, new attractions and staff facilities as it pursues plans to become a multi-
day destination.
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