Philippines’ first world-class science museum to open

GUESTS view the Universe Gallery at the Mind Museum exhibit.

Believing that a strong science education in this country can help propel the growth of its economy, the Bonifacio Art Foundation Inc. (Bafi) has recently unveiled the country’s first world-class science museum.

Dubbed as The Mind Museum, this ambitious project is targeted to be at par with other world-class museums, from its sleek futuristic building design down to the numerous interactive exhibits that will be made available to the public by summer of 2012.

Sitting on a 12,500-square-meter prime lot of the JY Campos Park on 3rd Avenue in Bonifacio Global City, the P1-billion project was conceived as early as 2006 by Bafi, the group in charge of Bonifacio Global City’s public art program.

“It is brought to reality by companies, families and individuals who heeded the call to support science education in the country as a way to help economic growth in the long term,” Bafi officials said in a statement.

Understanding of science

“It is envisioned to be the Philippines’ center for the public understanding of science where facts are presented in clear, exciting and engaging way,” the officials added.

According to Bafi, while a number of international experts were tapped as consultants during the planning stage, the Mind Museum was conceptualized and brought to life by an entire team of Filipinos.

“Designs are by Filipino artists working with Filipino scientists and engineers to clearly and beautifully flesh out a science principle or fact. Ninety percent of the exhibits was done by carefully selected local fabricators who also do work for science museums abroad,” Bafi said.

Designed by Ed Calma and his team of architects, the Mind Museum will feature five galleries within its two levels.

• “The Story of the Universe: Its Beginning and Majesty” features the vastness of the universe and holds clues to where we came from and where we are going. It also contains a unique planetarium which simulates star-gazing from the point of view of literally laying down on a bed beneath the stars.

• “The Story of the Earth: Its Story Across the Breadth of Time” tells of the story of the planet and our archipelago; it includes a 3D animated film made by an all-Filipino crew that features 4.6 billion years of the planet’s natural history and evolution in just 12 minutes.

VICE President Jejomar Binay and Inquirer Chair Marixi Prieto view the Mind Museum exhibit at BGC. photos by ARNOLD ALMACEN

• “The Story of Life: The Exuberant Varieties of Life” gives viewers a deeper understanding of all life forms—from microbes to large animals (such as a life size “butanding”), and from DNA cells to a giant human brain model.

•  “The Story of the Atom: The Strange World of the Very Small” has exhibit pieces that show the strange world of the “very small” in terms of forces and particles.

• “The Story of Technology: The Showcase of Human Ingenuity” shows how we, with the tools we invent and innovate, are able to express our evolving humanity.

The Mind Museum will also boast an outdoor “Science-in-the-park,” where visitors can experience playful science through four-themed pockets: Music, Math, Living and Water. Other educational offerings include facilities such as an auditorium, laboratory and classrooms for educational workshops.

The ceremonial opening held recently was led by Vice President Jejomar Binay, Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano and the board of trustees of Bafi, with its chair Jose D. Campos and vice chair Fernando Zobel.

In his message read by Binay for the occasion, President Aquino offered his thanks and congratulations “to all those who made this facility possible through their generous donations.”

“Knowing as we do the importance of furthering scientific research and development in the country, we have always stood firm in the belief that science is transformational and should be put to work for the benefit of the Filipino people,” the President added.