The Long Island Science Center will celebrate the Grand Opening of its Riverhead location on Thursday, Jan. 17, complete with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 4pm. The much-anticipated opening comes after a two-year hiatus, following a temporary relocation to Rocky Point.
The new Riverhead location is designed as a demo/exhibition space with technology and engagement in mind. Larry Oxman, president of the center’s board, was a driving force in the move back to Riverhead and the new technology driven offerings.
He notes, “The Long Island Science Center, with all new interactive exhibits, is challenging and engaging children and adults in science, technology, art, and innovation. It is so rewarding to see the smiles and expressions of visitors as they experience the new hands-on exhibits, including virtual reality and augmented reality.” T
he location, at 40 Peconic Avenue, was previously occupied by BNB Bank. A generous grant from BNB Bank provided the funding needed to take over the space.
One of the highlights of the new space is an interactive, augmented reality exhibit of elaborately detailed Leonardo da Vinci models. The models, originally commissioned by IBM, were created by Roberto Guatelli and Joe Mirabella. Mr. Mirabella generously donated the collection to the Science Center. The board hopes this exhibition will allow visitors to draw parallels between da Vinci’s revolutionary ideas and Long Island’s own history of technological innovation, in fields such as aerospace and engineering.
Additionally, the space features an augmented reality sandbox, where children and adults alike can dig and create real time topographical terrain while exploring subjects such as watershed and relief. There is also an interactive virtual reality experience where users choose options such as a trip under the sea to swim with dolphins, or an expedition to learn about dinosaurs.
Not to be missed is the illumination station, an eight-foot-wide lit peg board where visitors can create different designs (think giant “Lite Brite”). More creative tech comes at the 3D pen drawing station, where mini models can be created, and an augmented reality coloring station that brings the user’s creations to life when viewed through a tablet. On display for more tactile patrons is a magnetic wall with an interactive space to explore force, friction, and gravity using ramps, cups, and balls, and a building room dedicated to exploring engineering concepts and design.
The Long Island Science will be open to the public starting on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019. Admission is $10, or visitors can join as a member for $125 annually and enjoy free admission and programs year-round.
Long Island Science Center
40 Peconic Avenue, Suite 30
631-208-8000
sciencecenterli.org/
