Big changes are underway at Liberty Science Center, positioning the Jersey City landmark for a bold new era of discovery, play, and immersive learning. Backed by nearly $40 million in new state support, the Center is launching Project Supernova, an ambitious campus-wide transformation that will significantly expand its offerings and redefine what a science center can be for New Jersey families and visitors from across the region.
Approved through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s new Cultural Arts Facilities Expansion program, the funding will support a sweeping mix of indoor and outdoor renovations designed to boost accessibility, sensory inclusion, and visitor engagement. Liberty Science Center is the first cultural institution in the state to receive backing through the program, underscoring its role as New Jersey’s largest and most influential science museum.
At the heart of Project Supernova are imaginative new experiences that blend science, nature, and hands-on play. One of the most distinctive additions will be a shared playground for children and goats, featuring parallel play spaces and supervised interactions that introduce young visitors to animal care and agricultural science in a memorable way. The outdoor experience will be visible from the street, adding a lively new visual presence to the campus.
Animal encounters will expand further with the addition of a North American river otter habitat. Designed as an outdoor environment with indoor viewing areas, the habitat will deepen Liberty Science Center’s storytelling around the Hudson River and its surrounding ecosystem, connecting wildlife, urban environments, and environmental stewardship in a seamless experience.
Science takes center stage in a physics-based miniature golf course that brings New Jersey’s deep scientific legacy to life. Each hole will demonstrate a core physics principle, turning play into an interactive learning experience inspired by the state’s contributions to theoretical research and technological innovation.
Project Supernova also includes a complete reimagining of the Hudson River exhibition. The updated River Rising gallery will immerse visitors in the forces shaping the estuary, from tides and climate change to human impact and environmental recovery. Additional upgrades will allow Liberty Science Center to host large-scale traveling exhibitions on the main floor, opening the door to blockbuster cultural experiences that attract new audiences.
Further enhancements include renovations to the planetarium, new all-weather outdoor programming spaces, a 9/11 Memorial Garden, and expanded animal habitats. Construction is set to begin in early 2026, marking the start of a transformative chapter that reinforces Liberty Science Center as a premier destination for STEAM learning, exploration, and family-friendly adventure.