In June, Joseph Wisne, CEO of Roto, hosted a virtual first-look webinar showcasing exhibit concept designs for Northern Virginia's science center. Over 70 guests, including key campaign stakeholders and supporters, had the opportunity to view designs and participate in small breakout sessions to provide feedback and additional ideas for the galleries and exhibits.

We are excited to share a short video highlighting key moments of Joseph's presentation, with a brief introduction and closing remarks by the Center's Executive Director, Nene Spivy. Please enjoy!

Loudoun County as the future home to Northern Virginia's science center, has made a generous contribution of $15 million to support the project's exhibit design and fabrication and an additional cash-operating grant following the science center's opening. We are grateful to the County for this substantial commitment to this vital community resource and STEM education.

Loudoun County has a rich and dynamic history dating back to its establishment in 1757 as a small agricultural community. Since then, the county has experienced periods of rapid economic and demographic growth. Today, Loudoun County is home to farms that are reflective of its beginning as well as 400,000 residents and some of the nation's - and world's - most innovative technology companies. Seventy percent of the world’s internet traffic passes through its data centers. Northern Virginia’s science center will be located at the Kincora development at the intersections of routes 28 and 7 in the heart of the Dulles Technology Corridor. This is the perfect location to recognize the cultural identity of Northern Virginia and inspire minds of all ages with the wonders of STEM.

In 2019, the renowned team at HGA was selected for the architectural design of Northern Virginia's science center. HGA brings a portfolio of impactful cultural and community projects from across the nation and in the region, including Capital One Hall, a new performing arts and events center opening in 2021 in Tysons, and the new Brambleton Library in Loudoun County. The firm has demonstrated experience in designing public spaces that explore the intersections between learning, play, and community.

HGA has assembled a remarkable team to design the new science center. A Practice Leader for HGA's Arts, Community, and Education (ACE) Practice Group, Mark L'Italian has spent his career working on similar projects for science centers, children's museums, zoos, and aquariums across the nation, including the new Exploratorium in San Francisco. Team members in HGA's Northern Virginia office include Design Principal Peter D. Cook, whose impressive portfolio includes one of the newest museums in our region, the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of African American History and Culture, and Project Manager and Structural Engineer Amanda Clements, who brings significant experience with the engineering and project management of major cultural and community projects.