BMS debuts new branding – including logo, tagline and website – and urges guests to “Find Why”
BUFFALO, NY (July 13, 2018) – The Buffalo Museum of Science officially announced today the opening of its renovated Kellogg Observatory, providing a new gateway to the skies for the Western New York community. The observatory, historic Lundin telescope and rooftop area have undergone extensive updates and restoration, and will be open for programming, events, facility rentals and scheduled public access.
The Kellogg Observatory has been a part of the Museum’s history for almost 90 years. Named for Jane and Spencer Kellogg, the Kellogg Observatory opened to the public in 1930 and was equipped with an 8-inch f/15 refractor designed by Roland W. Sellew with a Lundin objective. The observatory was closed to the public in 1999 due to needed repairs, and outdated equipment and accessibility. Today, the fully restored Lundin telescope, to be dedicated as the E. E. Both Memorial Telescope in September, sits under a new durable, aluminized steel dome and is powered by state-of-the-art mapping technology. The roof deck and dome pier are both fully accessible for all Museum guests.
“The Kellogg Observatory and its iconic silhouette have been dormant for almost two decades, and we’re thrilled to now open the skies to a new generation of explorers. Not only does the Kellogg Observatory provide a unique science learning destination for local and regional stargazers, but it solidifies the Buffalo Museum of Science’s place as a leading resource for astronomy for our region,” said Marisa Wigglesworth, president and CEO of the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences. “This momentous milestone in our organization’s history has only been made possible through the generous support of our Board of Managers, donors, community and corporate partners, and members, as well as the tremendous partnership from Erie County and the City of Buffalo.”
The opening of the Kellogg Observatory marks the completion of the “See it Through” capital campaign, which raised more than $8 million since 2012. Through the campaign, the Buffalo Museum of Science has transformed all of its permanent gallery spaces into interactive, changeable and educational spaces that combine technology with pieces from the Museum’s extensive collection of more than 700,000 specimens and artifacts. Most recently, the Museum debuted the final science studio on the fourth floor, Buffalo in Space, in August 2017.
With the building’s physical transformation complete, the Buffalo Museum of Science looked to update the last piece of its identity – its external branding. The Museum has undergone an extensive visual identity overhaul, collaborating with advertising agency, Crowley Webb, on a new logo and tagline, Find Why. The Museum also tapped digital and web development agency, Parkway Digital, to create its new website.
“With the completion of our physical transformation imminent, it became clear we needed to reevaluate our visual identity and align it with our modern, interactive interior. While our exhibits and programs are engaging, challenging and accessible for visitors of all ages, how we portrayed ourselves felt dated and unchanged,” said Wigglesworth. “From our new logo and tagline, to the Find Why creative campaign, to a new, dynamic website, we’re excited to show the community that the Buffalo Museum of Science is a contemporary, best-in-class science and natural history museum that provides fun and educational experiences for all.”
The Buffalo Museum of Science will bring the new logo and tagline to life through a multi-channel advertising campaign rooted in the idea of asking “why?” The Find Why campaign, led by Crowley Webb, consists of television, out-of-home, paid search and social media.
To celebrate the opening of the Kellogg Observatory and brand launch, the Buffalo Museum of Science will offer extended hours during the opening weekend (Saturday, July 14 – Sunday, July 15, 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.). Guests will be able to access the roof to enjoy daytime solar viewing facilitated by the Buffalo Astronomical Association, as well as participate in a host of astronomy-related activities throughout the Museum. The Kellogg Observatory will open for nighttime viewing at 9 p.m., where guests will be able to use the newly renovated telescope on a first come, first served basis. The Kellogg Observatory Opening Weekend is presented by M&T Bank, with support from Key Bank and media sponsor The Buffalo News.
Looking forward, the Museum will offer regular Kellogg Observatory viewing hours on Wednesday nights from 9 – 11 p.m., directly following regular extended hours from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Access to the observatory will be offered in timed, 30-minute sessions, and reservations can be made each Wednesday morning beginning at 10 a.m. online, by phone or at Museum admissions. The Buffalo Museum of Science roof deck will be open for guests on Sunday afternoons from 12:00 – 3 p.m., where guests can participate in solar viewing (pending availability), or admire the sweeping views of downtown Buffalo. The rooftop space will also be available to rent for private events throughout the year.
For additional information about the Buffalo Museum of Science, including Kellogg Observatory viewing hours and rental information, visit www.sciencebuff.org.
ABOUT THE BUFFALO MUSEUM OF SCIENCE
Rooted in the belief that science creates opportunities and shapes our world, the Buffalo Museum of Science is a non-profit educational institution dedicated to providing relevant science programming to learners of all ages in the Buffalo Niagara region. Through interactive science studios and exhibits designed for multi-generational learning, the Museum showcases its extensive collection of more than 700,000 specimens and artifacts representing all facets of the natural world with an emphasis on Western New York. With a focus on raising the science literacy in the Buffalo Niagara area and beyond, the Museum offers hands-on workshops, camps, panel discussions, guided tours and enhance learning opportunities for its guests and community. Opened in 1929 in Buffalo’s Olmsted-designed Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, the Museum recently installed its eighth interactive science studio marking the completion of the Museum’s 9-year-long transformation of its guest experience. The Buffalo Museum of Science is governed by the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences alongside Tifft Nature Preserve in South Buffalo, a 264-acre urban wetland preserve on reclaimed former industrial land. Learn more at www.sciencebuff.org.
Contact:
Andrea Gallagher
Director of Marketing & Public Relations
716.896.5200 x312
