64 replies to this topic

[Mith242]

butttrumpet, on Nov 4 2008, 02:31 PM, said:

82 days later, still no announcement.  

True, I wonder if the economy has slowed the process down or something.

[Mith242]

The Science and Technology Museum will be opening up it's temporary location in the One East Center Bldg (former Bank of American Bldg) on the east side of the Fayetteville Square.  Sounds like it could happen as early as March.  No idea how long they might be located there.  Probably till they have enough funds to build their own facility.  Apparently there are three possible sites being considered for the permanent site.  The only one mentioned at the time was Cave Springs.  But I'm pretty sure I've heard Fayetteville being mentioned.  No idea where the third location might be.  Perhaps Bentonville/Rogers.  Cost estimates for the museum are around $80 to $100 Mil.  That would include a glass atrium, five museum galleries and an IMAX theater.  They're also trying to become an affiliate of the Smithsonian so they can showcase traveling exhibits.  They are also trying to work something out with the University since they closed the campus museum and their collections are all in storage and not being displayed.

[Mith242]

Future temporary site of the Science and Technology Museum.

[Mith242]

Plans appear to have stalled for the proposed Science Museum although things can still slowly progress hopefully.  The Smithsonian still isn't on board yet.  All of their requirements haven't been met yet.  There may also have to have some items denied because the current space on the east side of the Square won't allow control of humidity and such.  Looks like the owners of the building are still trying to work out a lease with the organization trying to get the museum started.  They're hoping maybe they can finalize a lease by January.  Although eventually the organization might have to worry about others possibly trying to lease the space if they can't work things out.

[Mith242]

Well there's some news on a science museum but ironically it has nothing to do with any of the ones mentioned before.  Apparently it will be run by the U of A.  The whole thing is being set up by the U of A and Arkansas Discovery Link.  Exhibits will last for 6 months and travel to other museums across the state.  Apparently the museum here will be on MLK.  It's going into an old commercial building.  Is the old Walmart or Food 4 Less buildings empty now?  Apparently the museum opens at the end of the month.  Surprising I haven't heard anything about this till the museum is almost open.  It almost sounds like this museum could be temporary till the NWA Science Museum opens in a few years.  Sounds like the museum will be geared towards kids but hopefully there will be something for those of us a bit older.  

http://www.nwaonline...fzdiscovery.txt