Connecticut Science Center

Connecticut Science Center

Connecticut Science Center, Hartford, CT on the Riverfront
Established 2009
Location 250 Columbus Boulevard
Hartford, Connecticut, United States
Type Science museum
Website ctsciencecenter.org
Items invented in CT on the Wall of Invention and Ingenuity

The Connecticut Science Center is a nine-story museum located on the Connecticut River in Hartford, Connecticut designed by César Pelli & Associates. It opened on June 12, 2009. The building has a total 154,000 square feet (14,300 m2) including 40,000 square feet (3,700 m2) of interactive exhibits consisting of videos, audios, visuals, tactile components, programs, and live demonstrations.

Development

Planning for the Connecticut Science Center began in 2001. The Science Center's goals are to promote the study of science by the state's youth and to encourage urban revitalization in Hartford.[1] The state of Connecticut provided more than $100 million of support for the $165 million museum, and the balance was donated by businesses, foundations and individuals.

The Connecticut Science Center is the first science center to generate most of its needed power from an on-site fuel cell. This step was a major one for the Connecticut Science Center and its steps towards being a Gold Level LEED) Certified green building.[2]

The 200-kilowatt fuel cell, built by UTC Power, a United Technologies Corp. business based in South Windsor, generates 100 percent of the electricity the Science Center uses.[3] The PureCell System is fueled with natural gas and doesn't use combustion. Instead, the gas undergoes an electrochemical process that produces direct current electricity, heat and water.[4]

Maximilian E. and Marion O. Hoffman Foundation Science Theater

A stadium seating style theater that houses over 200 people, it has a 30×40 ft screen, an 18,000-watt Dolby® sound system and utilizes Dolby® 3D technology and glasses.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Even before opening, cutbacks at science museum". USA Today. 2009-06-12. Retrieved 2009-08-13.
  2. ↑ "Connecticut Science Center Becomes FIRST in Nation to use Fuel Cell for the Majority of its Power". UTC Power Press Releases. Retrieved 2010-03-23.
  3. ↑ http://fuelcellsworks.com/news/2009/10/05/utc-power-delivers-fuel-cell-for-new-connecticut-science-center/
  4. ↑ http://www.yourct.com/2009/10/fuel-cell-moves-science-center-toward-power-self-sufficiency/
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Coordinates: 41°45′52″N 72°40′11″W / 41.7644°N 72.6697°W / 41.7644; -72.6697

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