Miami Science Museum Galaxy Gala and Big Bang After Party

$35 Million Commitment by Patricia and Phillip Frost Announced, Securing Naming Rights to New Building at Museum Park

Miami Science Museum’s ninth annual Galaxy Gala was their most extravagant event yet. After a momentous announcement of a $35 million commitment from philanthropists Dr. and Mrs. Phillip Frost for the museum’s new building at Museum Park, guests celebrated the night and toasted to the future of the museum. Slated for opening in 2014, the new iconic structure will feature a three-story aquarium, a full 3-D digital media dome (planetarium), and a rooftop wildlife center with hanging gardens and animals, and will be named the “Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science.”

Hosted by the Board of Trustees, several notable guests arrived to support Miami Science Museum, including Patricia & Phillip Frost, Elizabeth & Mitchell Taylor, Elizabeth & Facundo Bacardi, Lydia & Rudy Touzet, Barbara & José Hevia, Mary Catherine & Kent Hamill, Ginger & Richard Mead, Pam Garrison & Kirk Landon, Phillis Oeters, Norma Quintero, Anne Owen & Alan Roth, Chris & Edward Joyce, Anne & Tom LeBlanc, Janet & Mayor Don Slesnick, City Commissioners Willy Gort and Francis Suarez, and many others.

This year’s “Out of this World” event at the JW Marriott Marquis was co-chaired by Nancy and Jonathan M. Batchelor, and Nicole and Edgar M. Lozano. Guests were invited to an extraordinary evening of multi-sensory previews, including a show-stopping “wow” moment and theatrical journey from far out in the galaxy to deep under the sea, to give guests a taste for the new planetarium and aquarium.

Interactive cocktail parties, designed by Wow Factor Marketing Group and sponsored by Bacardi, and hosted by larger than life performers elaborately dressed in solar and lunar themed costumes, welcomed guests to silent auction rooms featuring vast selections. Attendees also had the opportunity to pose with live exotic animals from the Museum’s Wildlife Center and dance the night away surrounded by laser lights to live music by celebrated dance band, Soul Survivors, and DJ Mark Leventhal.

For the first time ever, the Museum’s young professionals group, the MiaSci Young Patrons, hosted Big Bang, the official after party in an adjoining room. Partygoers enjoyed an open bar provided by Brown Forman, hors d’oeuvres and a full dessert bar. Big Bang also featured live music by Latin fusion band Xperimento and South Beach club “beats” by DJ Pannik. Guests danced into the late night hours with Miami’s movers and shakers to celebrate Miami Science Museum’s rich legacy and future home at Museum Park.

Miami Science Museum aims to make a difference in people’s lives by inspiring them to appreciate the impact that science and technology can have on every facet of our world. For over 60 years, Miami Science Museum’s award-winning educational programs, family-focused exhibits, historic planetarium, and rehabilitative Wildlife Center and Clinic have enriched locals and tourists alike. In 2014, the legacy continues with the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science, a new world-class, state-of-the-art facility designed by Grimshaw Architects in the heart of downtown Miami. Miami Science Museum is accredited by the American Association of Museums and is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. For more information about the current Museum or our future home, the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science, visit www.miasci.org/blog or call (305) 646-4200.

Miami Science Museum is funded with the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners.