Senator John W. Mannion Announces $80,000 Grant to Support State-of-the-art Upgrades to the Omnitheater at the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology (MOST)

SYRACUSE, NY – Senator John W. Mannion (D-Geddes) today announced an $80,000 grant to support state-of-the-art upgrades to the Omnitheater and planetarium at the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology (MOST.)

MOST’s ongoing renovations include new high-resolution digital projectors providing cost-saving access to content and serving larger and more diverse audiences. Installation of new seating, carpets, and energy efficient lighting will enhance the visitor experience.  

Senator John W. Mannion said, “I’m supporting upgrades to MOST’s theater and planetarium because the museum is a critical resource for students and families, an integral part of the region’s STEM ecosystem, and one of Central New York’s educational and cultural treasures. I want to thank MOST President Lauren Kochian for her leadership – particularly during the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic – and for creating a Downtown anchor that is an invaluable part of our community.”

“We are thankful for the commitment of Senator Mannion for supporting the MOST's theatre renovations. Much like exhibits, the technology of theatres is always changing to fit not only the new and adaptive digital needs but the community’s needs and expectations,” said Lauren Kochian, President of the MOST. “It was time for us to update our theatre and planetarium to better suit our students, members, and visitors, and contributions such as this help us reach that goal.”

MOST welcomes over 120,000 visitors every year, including 6,000 Syracuse City School District students. The Omnitheater is over twenty years old and is the museum’s most dated facility. The upgrades are part of a strategic vision to educate the next generation of science leaders while upholding its mission as Central New York’s preeminent science and technology center.

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