Museum of Science, Boston
For decades, the Museum of Science, Boston’s dynamic experiences have inspired people of all ages and backgrounds by guiding them through the interconnected natural and engineered worlds.
In October 2016, Bloomberg Philanthropies announced a $50 million gift to the museum, which was the largest in the institution’s 186-year history, to support and name the William and Charlotte Bloomberg Science Education Center in honor of Mike Bloomberg and Marjorie Tiven’s parents.
Bloomberg’s gift solidified the museum’s status as one of the premier educational institutions in the world by ensuring the stability of its education department and supporting the founding of computational thinking and food science initiatives. It has also helped with other research and programming around the museum’s mission to become a leading global center in expanding the public’s access to, understanding of, and critical thinking around engineering, technology, and the sciences.
An additional gift of $155 million, again the largest in the Museum’s history, was made to create the William and Charlotte Bloomberg Public Science Common, a 10,000-square-foot civic venue set to open in October 2026.
Designed to inspire lifelong engagement with science by sparking discourse and discovery through immersive experiences around urgent topics including artificial intelligence, climate change, public health, and space exploration, the Bloomberg Public Science Common will connect trusted scientific voices with local and global audiences. It will host conversations with leading scientists and communicators, conferences, and symposia.
Previous support for the Museum includes the 2011 renovation of the Museum’s Charles Hayden Planetarium, strengthened education programs, and the development a computer science curriculum, internships, and exhibition spaces. The Museum of Science is also on Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.
In 2014, Bloomberg received the museum’s Bradford Washburn Award for outstanding contributions toward public understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in our lives.
Top photo: Local students attend the opening of the education division at Boston’s Science Museum, the William and Charlotte Bloomberg Science Education Center, named after Mike Bloomberg’s late parents.