JERSEY CITY, NJ —
September 11, 2026 |
By DailyHudson Staff
Project Supernova will add 100,000 square feet of outdoor exhibits, including a goats playground and river otter habitat.
The Liberty Science Center broke ground on September 10, 2026, for a $40 million expansion that will add more than 100,000 square feet of outdoor exhibition space. The project, called Supernova, will bring new attractions such as a goats playground, river otter habitat, and a 90-foot-high upside-down hot air balloon.
The expansion is funded largely by $39.6 million in tax credits from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, awarded over five years. It aims to draw more visitors, enhance accessibility and sensory inclusion, and showcase the latest in science, ecology, and culture.
New attractions will include a playground for goats and children with parallel play areas, a river otter habitat with indoor and outdoor viewing, a physics-themed mini golf course, and a rooftop pollinator garden.
Existing exhibits will also be updated. The Our Hudson Home touch tank will be replaced by River Rising, an immersive experience about the Hudson River and climate change. The traveling exhibition gallery will move to a larger space on the first floor.
‘Project Supernova is a vibrant fusion of science, ecology, and culture. It’s presented through new immersive environments that are interactive and educational,’ said Liberty Science Center President and CEO Paul Hoffman.
Impact: The expansion is expected to boost tourism and provide new educational opportunities for families in Hudson County and beyond.
What Happens Next: There is no official timeline for completion. The Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium is temporarily closed for renovations until September 26. Visitors should check the museum’s hours before planning a trip.
As construction progresses, the Liberty Science Center will continue to offer a dynamic experience for visitors of all ages.
Source: Hoboken Girl
