Announcements /
The Broad Discovery Center is opening to the public this fall, with preview at Cambridge Science Festival
We have transformed the Merkin Building (415 Main St) lobby into a public educational space for Broadies, friends, collaborators, students, and visitors.
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Preview the new Broad Discovery Center at the Cambridge Science Festival, October 3-6, 2022.  Photo credit: Gretchen Ertl.

After years of development and collaboration, the Broad Institute is launching the Broad Discovery Center — a public engagement and educational space targeted towards science-engaged teenagers and adults — in the Merkin Building (415 Main) lobby this fall. Eighteen exhibit structures have been built over the summer, each showcasing how Broadies are transforming biomedical research and examining the root causes of disease. You can expect big changes in the layout, furniture, and function of the space.

Before the space launches to the public, there will be several options for Broad groups to familiarize themselves with the exhibits through orientation sessions. The museum team will be hosting in-house orientation sessions in October to introduce Broadies to the Broad Discovery Center — these sessions will help you take friends, colleagues, and collaborators on self-guided tours through the space. Keep an eye out for sign-ups. Later this fall, the museum team will share volunteering opportunities for Broadies interested in science communication and outreach in the Discovery Center space.

Here is a list of important dates coming up.

  • Monday, October 3 — Thursday, October 6, 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.: Cambridge Science Festival, inviting Broadies and the public to take a first look at the new space.
  • Throughout October: Orientations with Broad groups and invited external groups. (Please note that there are a number of additional events being hosted in the Merkin lobby during October, meaning the Broad Discovery Center may not always be available during this time.)
  • Starting Monday, October 31:  The Broad Discovery Center will begin offering staffed hours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Wednesday. The Broad Discovery Center is available to everyone during regular business hours for a self-guided experience. Formal group tours will begin in 2023. 
  • Starting Monday, November 28: Guided tours of the Broad Discovery Center are available at 11:00 AM on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, unless otherwise posted. Gather at the Welcome Gallery across from the security desk.  

For more information, please visit broaddiscoverycenter.org and follow the Broad Discovery Center on Facebook. For more questions, or to get involved, please contact discoverycenter@broadinstitute.org
 

Photo credit: Gretchen Ertl.