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Launch The Future

Launch the future

A WORLD-CLASS INTERACTIVE SCIENCE CENTER

IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA

Launch the Future years graphic

Launch the Future

The Children’s Science Center, in partnership with the Science Museum of Virginia, is excited to announce Launch the Future, a $75 million campaign to build the Northern Virginia Science Center. With substantial public and private support from partners across the region, this project fulfills the long-held vision for a world-class, interactive science center in our region. The Science Center is expected to serve
over 300,000 curious minds of all ages each year. Learn more about the project plans, progress and how to get involved at novasci.org.

Join us Thursday, May 20 at 5pm for the first public reveal of the name, brand and latest imagery of the future science center! Visit launchthefuture.org for more information and registration!

The Children’s Science Center, in partnership with the Science Museum of Virginia, is excited to announce Launch the Future, a $75 million campaign to build a world-class interactive science center in Northern Virginia. The science center will spark and sustain the innate curiosity in all of us, providing a transformative impact on our community by engaging over 300,000 visitors annually and inspiring audiences ages 1 to 101. We will explore topics beyond the traditional view of science and use science as a lens through which we will look at the world as curious, creative, and critical thinkers. It truly will be a great place to explore, create, and be inspired.

The new 70,000+ square-foot science center will be located on donated land at the Kincora development in the heart of the Dulles Technology Corridor and will feature:

  • Large-scale, STEM-focused, interactive exhibits for hands-on exploration for visitors ages 1 to 101.
  • Themed experience zones, space for rotating exhibits, classrooms, and gathering spaces that fill a gap in education accessibility in STEM learning.
  • Highly efficient and visitor-accessible design to showcase the community and identity of Northern Virginia as a technology hub.
  • Direct access to the outdoors, utilizing over 150 acres of parkland and nature trails for natural science learning opportunties.
  • Flexible indoor/outdoor spaces for events, unique programs, and community gatherings.

Thank You Pivotal Partners

Pivotal Partners, including the Commonwealth of Virginia and Loudoun County, along with the Kincora land donation and a lead gift from Northwest Federal Credit Union, bring the expertise and resources that will enable significant growth and long-term sustainability for Northern Virginia’s science center. With contributions from these partners, over 85% of the total project cost has been committed.

Virginia State Logo
Loundoun County Logo 
Northwest Logo
Kincora Logo

Award-Winning Design Teams

The award-winning teams of HGA and Roto have been selected for the design and architecture of Northern Virginia’s science center. Both are well underway in an expected 18-month design process.

National Architecture Firm

HGA Logo

HGA brings a significant portfolio of impactful projects across the nation and in our region, including Capital One Hall in Tysons and Loudoun County's Brambleton Library. The firm has demonstrated experience in designing public spaces that explore the intersections between learning, play, and community.

Leading Design-Build Firm

Roto Logo

From museum planning and exhibit development to full-service production and interactive engineering, Roto's mission is to provide fresh ideas and reliable solutions for today's leading museums, including the Orlando Science Center, Arkansas Discovery Museum, and the Science Museum of Virginia.

State-Wide Network of Science Centers

Northern Virginia’s science center will join the Science Museum of Virginia and the Danville Science Center as part of a state-wide network of science centers. Each facility operates as a division of the Science Museum of Virginia, an agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia under the Department of Education. The statewide network of science centers will share resources, knowledge, technology, and industry connections for the greater good of Virginia’s citizens.

Geared for children and adults alike, this network of science centers offers informal learning spaces that ignite the curiosity in learners of all ages.

The Importance of STEM

Our world faces a myriad of escalating challenges—energy, sustainability, disease, and climate change to name a few. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are integral to our everyday lives. In fact, over 50% of the new jobs created in our region over the next decade will require significant STEM skills, and our region ranks #2 in the nation for open jobs in STEM fields. Engaging the entire community in STEM learning and raising generations of STEM-literate and inspired children are the keys to solving our present and future challenges and meeting the demands of the future workforce.

We invite you to help Launch the Future!

Click here to learn more about becoming an Element Partner as part of the Elements of Success interactive periodic table.

Contact our team to learn more and find out how you can support Launch the Future to help complete the campaign.

Margaret Cartier
Campaign Manager
margaretcartier@childsci.org

Launch the Future Events

childrens science center website image

December 4, 2019:
Press Event

 Supporters, community leaders, and press joined the Children’s Science Center at Trajectory Event Center in Herndon for the announcement of a $10 million gift from Northwest Federal Credit Union as the lead building naming sponsor of Northern Virginia’s future science center.

Event Pictures
childrens science center website image

January 14, 2020:
Celebration Reception

Governor and Mrs. Northam and over 200 supporters, elected officials and community leaders attended the Launch the Future Celebration Reception at the Belmont Country Club in Ashburn. The event celebrated the commitment of the Pivotal Partners to the creation of Northern Virginia’s science center.

Event PIctures
childrens science center website image

June 3, 2020:
First Look: Exhibit Concept Design

Over 70 key campaign stakeholders attended a special Zoom presentation of a detailed overview of the concept design for the future science center. Hosted by Joseph Wisne, CEO of Roto, and his team, who are leading the exhibit design effort, the presentation was followed by a Q&A and break-out room sessions to collect feedback and ideas.

Watch Now

Northern Virginia's Science Center in the News

Northern Virginia’s Children’s Science Center Finds Permanent Home in LoudounNew Northern Virginia Science Center Moves Forward with Public, Private FundingPlans for Northern Virginia Children’s Science Center Take Leap ForwardRegional Science Center to Bring New Opportunities to Northern VirginiaAn Extension of the Science Museum of Virginia is Heading to NoVAChildren’s Science Center Lands $10M Gift, Hopes to Break Ground Next YearMuseum Update- Children’s Science Center and Science Museum of Virginia Announce $10M Gift from Northwest Federal Credit UnionNorthern Virginia Science Center Gets $10M DonationA World-Class Science Museum is Coming to Northern VirginiaDesign Firms HGA, Roto Selected for Children’s Science Center in Loudoun

Launch the Future

Northern Virginia Science Center Foundation in partnership with the Science Museum of Virginia, is well underway with Launch the Future, a campaign to build the Northern Virginia Science Center. With substantial public and private support from partners across the region, this project fulfills the long-held vision for a world-class, interactive science center in our region. The Science Center is expected to serve over 300,000 curious minds of all ages each year. See the innovative plans for the new building and exhibits, read news about the project, and learn more about how to get involved by visiting novasci.org.