Carnegie Science Center gets new name and $65 million gift

Daniel Kamin discovered his love of science during childhood visits to Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science, which grew into the Carnegie Science Center visited by so many Pittsburgh-area families.

“I vividly recall crafting my own telescope during many inspired visits to The Buhl, so I have a great appreciation for the role the Science Center plays in educating and inspiring our young people,” Kamin said in an announcement about the large gift that he and his wife Carole Kamin are giving to the Center.

The Carnegie Science Center will now be called the Daniel G. and Carole L. Kamin Science Center, in honor of the gift from these longtime donors.

“This is the largest monetary gift in the history of Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh—the largest, that is, since the original contribution of our founder Andrew Carnegie,” said Steven Knapp, president and CEO of Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh.

“Dan and Carole have been generous supporters of our museums for many years, and with this unprecedented gift they are further establishing their legacy as true leaders in Pittsburgh’s philanthropic community. Their forward- looking generosity will establish a firm foundation for the Science Center as it expands its capacity to inform and inspire its audiences within and beyond our region.”

Though no specific plans for the funding have been announced, the Science Center’s director, Jason Brown, says families can expect to see new exhibitions and innovative programs, along with a transformation of the Science Center’s riverfront campus.

Stay tuned to Kidsburgh for more information as those plans are announced.