New York families can once again visit the New York Hall of Science, Flushing, when it officially reopens to the public on Saturday, Feb. 19. Doors open at 10am.
It's been a long and challenging journey for the museum to get to this celebratory moment. First, like most cultural institutions around the city, the museum shut its doors during the pandemic for 16 months.
Then, calamity struck again. Two months after reopening on July 2, Hurricane Ida fell on the city, slamming the museum with several millions of gallons of water. The lobby and some street level areas were flooded and needed to be repaired. The lower level was submerged in 12-36 inches of water, eliminating 20% of the exhibit areas, not to mention the damage sustained to offices and infrastructure.
The damage was so severe, that the museum organized a donation drive to help pay for recovery costs, which right now exceed $15 million.
Throughout the two-year ordeal, the museum offered virtual activities for science fans of all ages to enjoy from home. Some exhibits are still unavailable to the public, but enough recovery work has been accomplished to allow the museum to reopen while it continues to clean up and rebuild from the damage.
“We are thrilled to welcome back families, teachers, students and New Yorkers of all ages to NYSCI,” Margaret Honey, president and CEO of the award-winning museum, said. “There couldn’t be a better time to be inspired by science. Now more than ever we need to learn about critical problem solving and resilience in the face of enormous challenges.”
What to Expect at the Reopening of the New York Hall of Science
The museum is offering temporary discounts on tickets while on-site storm repairs continue. General admission ($14; $11 for kids, students and seniors), provides access to core exhibits and experiences.
Visitors will also see The Happiness Experiment, an exhibit that opened last July right before the museum closed. The exhibit is a fun exploration of the science behind happiness—how this feeling is perceived for individuals and different cultures.
“We are especially proud of NYSCI’s exhibit, The Happiness Project, which explores the neuroscience behind resilience as another way NYSCI can offer meaningful experiences for all visitors,” Honey said.
What You Need to Know About Visiting the New York Hall of Science
Where is the New York Hall of Science located?
The New York Hall of Science is located at 47-01 111th St., Flushing.
When is the New York Hall of Science open?
Hours are Friday, 2-5pm; and Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm. It will also be open on select days during the NYC public school midwinter break.
How much are tickets?
Tickets are $14; $11 seniors and children ages 2-17.
What are the New York Hall of Science's current COVID guidelines?
Visitors 5 years and older must provide proof of full COVID vaccinations. Guests ages 18 and older must show ID that corresponds to their proof of vaccination. Visitors 2 years and older must wear a mask in indoor spaces.
For more information, visit nysci.org or follow the museum on Facebook or Instagram.
Main image: Andrew Kelly, Bowery Image Group
