New York Hall of Science

What New York Hall of Science does

The New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit science museum located in Corona, Queens, New York, founded as a legacy of the 1964 World's Fair. It operates 450+ permanent hands-on exhibits built on the proprietary "Design Make Play" pedagogical framework, covering topics from urban infrastructure (CityWorks) and ecological systems (Connected Worlds) to aerospace (Rocket Park with NASA artifacts) and maker culture (Design Lab, Makerspace). The museum's core technology stack is physical-interactive rather than software-native; the most technologically advanced offering, CityWorks, integrates digital twin technology with real NYC open data to let visitors simulate urban planning decisions.

NYSCI serves a diversified audience including families with children (primary), K-12 schools and educators, community groups and camps, young adults ages 14-24, local Corona/Elmhurst residents, and corporate partners. It generates revenue through a multi-stream model: general admission ($22 adult / $19 children/seniors), an all-inclusive NYSCI Plus pass ($62 adult / $33 children), tiered annual memberships starting at $100, group bookings ($12-$18/person for 10+ visitors), à la carte add-ons (movies, mini golf, playground at $4-$6), birthday parties, summer camp packages, space rentals for private events, corporate partnerships and sponsorships, and an e-commerce gift shop. The distribution model is hybrid: direct on-site visitation, online ticketing (tickets.nysci.org), group reservations, off-site community outreach, reciprocal membership networks (ASTC, ACM, Blue Star Museums), and the Cool Culture Pass reaching 50,000 NYC families.

The organization is funded through a coalition of institutional partners including Science Sandbox (Simons Foundation), BNY Mellon, Carnegie Corporation of New York, Deutsche Bank Americas Foundation, Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Robin Hood Learning and Technology Fund, and State of New York, complemented by strategic co-development with the NYC Department of Education and the Elmhurst Corona Resource Collaborative. NYSCI's community engagement programs—Community Hours (free Fridays 2-5pm), Pre-K STEM Enrichment at the on-campus Mosaic Pre-K Center, Families Learning Together, Everyday Science Workshops in bilingual Spanish-English, and the Family Advisory Committee—serve 15,000+ community members annually. The museum also runs the Alan J. Friedman Center for the Development of Young Scientists (30+ years) and the Science Career Ladder program, building a talent pipeline of Explainers and STEM professionals from the local community.

Name

New York Hall of Science

Legal name

New York Hall of Science

Website

https://nysci.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1964

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

The New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) is a nonprofit interactive science museum in Queens, NYC, operating 450+ hands-on exhibits across STEM topics and serving families, K-12 schools, community groups, and local residents through admissions, memberships, programs, and institutional partnerships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Science Museum & STEM Education

NAICS

Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions (7121), Museums (71211), Museums (712110)

akta.pro primary industry

Science & Technology Museums (THAJADAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Hands-on Science Exploration & Experiments (Lab Kits, Science Clubs) (EDAMABAA), Science & STEM Instruction (School-Delivered) (EDAJAFAH), Science Camps & Field Programs (Nature, Space, Marine, Geology) (EDAMABAB)

Keywords

• Interactive science exhibits
• STEM education programs
• School group field trips
• Museum memberships
• Community science outreach

Headquarters

HQ city

Corona

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. General Admission Tickets: Revenue from individual visitors purchasing day tickets to access core exhibits. Adults $22, Children/Students/Seniors $19.
2. NYSCI Plus Pass: All-inclusive ticket covering general admission plus all add-on experiences including Science Playground, Rocket Park Mini Golf, and Movie Theatre. Adults $62, Children $33.
3. Memberships: Family memberships starting at $100, providing repeat access, member-only events, and discounts on add-ons.
4. Group Bookings: Group admission at $12/person for 10+ visitors, with additional pricing for summer packages at $18/person including lunchroom reservation and activities.
5. Add-on Experiences: Individual add-on experiences including Movies ($6/$4), Rocket Park Mini Golf ($6/$4), and Science Playground ($6/$4) available à la carte or included in Plus passes.
6. Birthday Parties: Birthday party packages available for Satellite and Rocket Members with hands-on activities including slime and LEGO themes.
7. Corporate Partnerships & Sponsorships: Revenue from corporate partners who receive benefits including employee access, branding opportunities, and STEM program sponsorship.
8. Space Rentals: Private event hosting and space rental services for corporate events, weddings, and special occasions.
9. Gift Shop & E-commerce: NYSCI e-Shop selling STEM-oriented merchandise, gift cards, and educational items.
10. Summer Camps & Programs: NYSCI Summer Package at $18/person includes group admission, lunchroom reservation, and one activity for minimum 10 paying guests.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) is a nonprofit science museum that operates 450+ hands-on interactive exhibits and STEM education programs at its Queens, New York campus. The museum sells general admission, all-inclusive NYSCI Plus passes, memberships, school and group bookings, birthday parties, private event rentals, and gift shop merchandise, while delivering community programs, educator professional development, and youth career pathway initiatives to local schools and families.

Product overview

New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) is a science museum offering a portfolio of 450+ hands-on exhibits and educational programs centered on STEM learning through the Design Make Play approach. The core experience is General Admission providing access to permanent exhibits including CityWorks, Connected Worlds, Rocket Park, Design Lab, Makerspace, and the Science Playground. Add-on experiences (NYSCI Plus) include the 3D Theater, Rocket Park Mini Golf, and Science Playground. NYSCI serves diverse audiences through specialized programs including Class Trips, Community Group Visits, Youth Development/Science Career Ladder, Professional Development for educators, and Community Hours providing free Friday access. The museum also hosts Birthday Parties, special events like Soccer Sundays and STEM Career Expo, and operates a Science Shop/e-Shop for merchandise. With over 450 interactive displays, NYSCI positions itself as both a laboratory for learning and a partner to the Queens community, serving over 15,000 community members annually through collaborative programming.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Alan J. Friedman Center for the Development of Young Scientists: A center within NYSCI that has guided young people toward STEM careers for over 30 years.
• CityWorks
• Connected Worlds
• Rocket Park
• Science Career Ladder

Products and services

• General Admission Base day-pass providing access to all core permanent exhibits and experiences at NYSCI, excluding add-on experiences. Adults $22, Children/Students/Seniors $19. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
• NYSCI Plus Pass All-inclusive pass covering general admission plus all add-on experiences including Science Playground, Rocket Park Mini Golf, and Movie Theatre. Adults $62, Children $33. Subject to weather availability.
• Family Memberships Annual memberships including Satellite, Rocket, Family Explorer, Family Premium, and Family Pass tiers, starting at $100, providing repeat access, member-only events, and discounts on add-ons.
• Community Group Visits Self-guided group visits for Summer Camps, Non-profits, International Groups, Family Groups, and Universities with a minimum of 10 guests at $12/person.
• Class Trips Tailored educational visits for school groups by grade level and curriculum with supplemental worksheets and educator guides. Urban Advantage vouchers accepted.
• CityWorks Exhibit Interactive exhibit exploring urban infrastructure systems including transportation, water/wastewater, sanitation, and construction, featuring digital twin technology and simulated city neighborhoods.
• Connected Worlds Exhibit Immersive animated exhibit exploring how ecological systems relate and depend on one another to maintain balance.
• Rocket Park Exhibit Outdoor exhibit featuring real NASA artifacts including a Gemini-Titan II Rocket, Mercury-Atlas D Rocket, and Saturn V F-1 Engine.
• Science Playground Outdoor exhibit (weather dependent) exploring scientific principles of motion, balance, sound, and sight for visitors of all ages and abilities.
• Makerspace Hands-on space inviting visitors to use real tools and re-imagine everyday materials through experimentation and open-ended exploration.
• Powering the City Exhibit Interactive exhibit discovering how energy is generated and distributed to power daily life.
• Design Lab Space for design challenges, raw materials, and open-ended exploration focused on engineering and design thinking.
• Movie Theater / 3D Theater STEM-themed film screenings including documentary and feature-length films in 2D and 3D formats.
• Birthday Parties STEM-themed birthday party experiences with hands-on activities including slime and LEGO themes, available for Satellite and Rocket Members.
• Space Rentals and Private Events Private event hosting services including corporate events, celebrations, and weddings.
• NYSCI e-Shop Online gift shop at shop.nysci.org selling STEM-oriented items, gift cards, and educational merchandise.
• Community Hours Free weekly community access program every Friday 2-5pm providing general admission for local community members.
• Families Learning Together Multi-day parent education program where adult caregivers and children engage in hands-on STEM activities, receiving a free STEM Backpack Toolkit.
• Everyday Science Workshops
• Pre-K STEM Enrichment Program Partnership with NYC Department of Education providing customized STEM support for Pre-K teachers, students, and families at Mosaic Pre-K Center.
• Science Career Ladder / Youth Development Program providing high school and college youth with career-building skills, professional mentorship, and STEM learning opportunities.
• Alan J. Friedman Center for the Development of Young Scientists Youth development center that for over 30 years has inspired and guided young people to pursue STEM careers.
• Professional Development for Educators Educator resources and professional development programs for teachers citywide, supporting STEM pedagogy in schools.
• Sensory Sensitive Hour Special programming on Saturdays 10am-11am with dimmed sounds and lights for neurodiverse visitors.
• Soccer Sundays Weekly Sunday event combining exhibit exploration with soccer watch parties featuring World Cup and other matches.
• NYSCI Summer Package Group admission package including lunchroom reservation and one add-on activity for minimum 10 paying guests at $18/person.
• NYSCI Gift Cards / Gift Certificates Gift cards valid for general admission, museum activities, camps, parties, education programs, and more.
• STEM Career Expo Annual career expo bringing together youth and young adults for career exploration, hands-on learning, and community building.

Quantifiable outcome

• Serves over 15,000 community members annually through community programs
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, supporting and minor.

• NYC Department of EducationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary education partner for Pre-K STEM Enrichment Program. NYCDOE provides pedagogical framework and student enrollment through Mosaic Pre-K Center located on NYSCI campus.
• Mosaic Pre-K Center (Q369)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOn-campus early childhood education center at 111th Street accommodating General and Special Education 3K and Pre-K students. Co-located partnership providing direct STEM programming access.
• Elmhurst Corona Resource Collaborative (ECRC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember organization of 20 local community-based organizations united to support Elmhurst and Corona communities with food assistance, job opportunities, financial security, health programs, and educational/cultural experiences.
• Science Museum of MinnesotasupportingTechnology or IntegrationCollaborator on CityWorks exhibit development, contributing to the interactive urban infrastructure exhibit experience.
• BetaNYCsupportingTechnology or IntegrationCollaborator on CityWorks exhibit contributing civic technology and open data expertise for urban infrastructure displays.
• Trivium InteractivesupportingTechnology or IntegrationInteractive exhibit developer collaborating on CityWorks digital twin technology and interactive displays.
• Butter Beans KitchensupportingOthersCafe partner providing food and beverage services including coffee, hot/cold menu items, and snacks to museum visitors.
• Queens Borough President Donovan RichardssupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting partner for Soccer Sundays event bringing World Cup viewing to NYSCI, partnering with NYC Mayor's Office and NYC Tourism + Conventions.
• NYC Mayor's OfficesupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerGovernment partner for Soccer Sundays World Cup viewing event providing citywide promotion and support.
• NYC Tourism + ConventionssupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerCity tourism partner for Soccer Sundays event promoting NYC destinations.
• Resorts World NYCminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEvent sponsor for Soccer Sundays contributing to the community celebration.
• Queens Economic Development CorporationsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerEconomic development partner collaborating on Soccer Sundays community event.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Exploratorium: San Francisco hands-on science museum widely credited with pioneering interactive exhibit design—the same methodology NYSCI's 'Design Make Play' approach explicitly echoes; comparable size, exhibit philosophy, and educator programs.
• Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago: Major U.S. hands-on science museum of comparable scale and exhibit-led STEM orientation with permanent interactive galleries and large school group program; comparable operating model as large nonprofit science center.
• Carnegie Science Center (Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh): Pittsburgh-based hands-on science center with permanent exhibits, theater, and STEM-focused youth programs; directly comparable in exhibit strategy, school group business, and 30-year institutional scale.
• The Franklin Institute: Philadelphia-based hands-on science museum with permanent exhibits, 3D/IMAX theater, and large K-12 field trip program; closely comparable in exhibit-led STEM learning model, ticket pricing structure, and school group bookings.
• Liberty Science Center: Largest interactive science museum in the NY/NJ metro (Jersey City, NJ); most direct competitor with 12 museum exhibition halls, 3D theater, and K-12 field trip programming serving similar family and school audiences across the tri-state region.
• California Academy of Sciences: San Francisco major science institution combining aquarium, planetarium, and natural history exhibits with strong K-12 programming and ticketed admission; comparable nonprofit science museum operations and membership programs.

Regional players

• Children's Museum of Manhattan: NYC children's museum with early-childhood STEM and maker programming; competing for NYC preschool and family market segments but with a younger-age pedagogical focus versus NYSCI's broader age range.
• Queens Museum: Same NYC borough (Queens) cultural institution featuring the Panorama and rotating art/exhibition programming; competes for Queens-resident and school group visitation as a peer borough museum.

Broad incumbents

• American Museum of Natural History: Much larger NYC science-focused institution with permanent exhibits, K-12 programming, and group admissions; competes for NYC family and school trip visitation though anchored more in natural history collections than interactive STEM exhibits.

Others

• Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC): Industry association whose reciprocal membership program NYSCI participates in; represents the broader 600+ member network of science centers/museums that defines the market and sets shared visitation/membership standards.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/nysci
• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/newyorkhallofscience
• Facebookfacebook.com/nysci
• Instagraminstagram.com/nysci
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/new-york-hall-of-science

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds5 records

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about New York Hall of Science