Cultural Glue that Makes Miami Sticky

MIAMI—The Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science is part of the glue that creates a new cultural destination in Downtown Miami and will raise the profile of science and technology in the Magic City. So says Miami Science Museum president Gillian Thomas.

On the eve of the museum's annual Galaxy Gala on March 9 at the JW Marriott Marquis in Downtown Miami, GlobeSt.com caught up with Thomas to discuss the many ways in which the museum will impact Downtown Miami. If you missed part one of this exclusive interview, click here to read it.

GlobeSt.com: How will Museum Park, once complete, impact the region?

Thomas: Museum Park and the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science in particular will impact the region in many ways. The park has been more or less deserted for many years, except for occasional large scale events, which has inhibited the development of a downtown cultural quarter. While the Arsht Center attracts many visitors at night, Bayside is popular with tourists and both the Children's Museum and Jungle Island on Watson Island nearby attract substantial visitor numbers, this has not been known as a destination.  

Museum Park with two new major museums is the glue which will create a new destination, so that people will come to Downtown Miami for the cultural experience. I think the best analogy is Sydney, Australia, with its cultural amenities grouped around its waterfront in similar fashion. The Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science is especially important because of the number of visitors which will be attracted to it, a major economic benefit. 

However, long-term, the impact on the region is even more substantial: by inspiring people to enjoy science and technology and encouraging visitors to imagine how it could be a career for the future, the Museum will make a substantial contribution to this region becoming a technology and innovation hotspot.

GlobeSt.com: How do you think the new museum will contribute to Miami's efforts to cultivate a technology and innovation hub?

Thomas: It will have a major impact, both by raising the profile of science and technology and also creating a meeting place where all those interested in science , technology, entrepreneurship and innovation can exchange ideas, learn new skills, find partners to develop projects. Miami has a very diverse community, demonstrates great creativity, is an early adapter market, open to innovation. However, it lacks sufficient numbers of people trained in technical skills and choosing science and technology for their careers.

We just need the opportunities to be inspired by the newest and the best in science and technology from wherever it may originate worldwide and our community has the imagination to take these ideas forward. We need to create the kind of place where people want to bring their new ideas, products, materials or systems showcase and share them. It starts with inspiration—and then a lot of hard work. We aim to give that enthusiasm and create an environment that is conducive to new ideas, gives examples of entrepreneurial success, and enables people to acquire the information and skills they need, in partnership with other organizations which are also part of the technological hub.

GlobeSt.com: What are some of your favorite design elements that will be showcased at the new museum?

Thomas: I am delighted at how the architects have given form to our vision, listening to what we wanted to achieve and creating a special experience, where every part of the building has a story to tell. I love the changing aspect of the building, every side of it is, including the roof-scape, gives off a different mood by day and night.

The Planetarium will also be spectacular, with external projections, changing from Jupiter to the moon or earth from space. From the largest exhibitions to the smallest features, Grimshaw Architects took great care to be responsive to our goals and to visitor needs.

For example, we wanted the building to be friendly for small children and there are small colored portholes in the precast balustrades, so that children can peep through and have a privileged view, rather than needing their parents to lift them up. These small touches make the building both friendly and beautiful, as well as give a message that we aim to provide a great experience for all.