The Miami Science Museum has announced that their groundbreaking for the new $275 million museum waterfront project will be taking place on Friday, February 24th 2012, as part of a weeklong celebration of festivities beginning with their annual Galaxy Gala and Big Bang events on Saturday, February 18, 2012.

Originally founded in 2003 by Board Chairs Trish & Dan Bell, the Galaxy Gala will shine the spotlight on the 60+ year mission of the Miami Science Museum and its future as the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science and culminate in the Big Bang after party hosted by the museum’s next generation of leaders, the Young Patrons.

Designed by internationally renowned Grimshaw Architects, the 250,000 square-foot Miami Science Museum complex is intended to act as a demonstration of ecological and sustainability principles, harnessing energy from water, sun, wind and museum visitor energy to power exhibits and conserve resources. The museum is structured around a lushly landscaped indoor and outdoor “living core” of terrestrial and aquatic spaces, featuring a 600,000 gallon aquarium facility, a full dome 3-D planetarium, hands-on exhibits, never-before-seen technology and two additional wings of exhibition space, classrooms and cafes.

Real estate expert and Gala Co-Chair Nancy Batchelor is excited about the impact the new Miami Science Museum will have on the downtown community. “The new science museum is the cornerstone of Miami’s downtown renaissance,” says Batchelor. “It is central to the efforts to strengthen greater Miami’s momentum as an emerging global capital.”

The new Miami Science Museum will be an anchor of the 29-acre Museum Park overlooking Biscayne Bay. Museum Park is Miami’s urban redesign vision for the area now known as Bicentennial Park. A vibrant mix of green space and cultural offerings, in addition to the landmark new facilities for Miami Science Museum, the park will also be the future home of the Miami Art Museum.

Chaired by Nancy & Jonathan Batchelor and Nicole & Edgar Lozano, this year’s event will feature galactic-themed décor, live music, dancing, performance artists and a laser entertainment experience.  Arrivals for the Galaxy Gala will begin at 6:30pm along with a cocktail reception and silent auction, followed by a seated dinner.  The Gala will also honor important community leaders that include: David Lawrence who will receive the Vanguard Award; Walter Revell who will receive the Miami Science Museum Award; and, The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation who will be presented with the Visionary Award.  At 10pm the Gala will transform into the Big Bang, a high-energy dance party designed to integrate young professionals into the event. The Big Bang is chaired by Izzy Havenick.

The 10^th Annual Galaxy Gala & Big Bang event takes place on Saturday, February 18, 2012 at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami & Hotel Beaux Arts.  (345 Avenue of the Americas, Miami, FL 33131).  Arrivals for the Gala begin at 6:30pm. The Big Bang runs from 10pm-2am.  Admission to the Galaxy Gala is by invitation only. Tickets for the Big Bang will be available separately for sale after the holidays.