BOSTON — The Museum of Science has announced an expanded fall lineup for its new William and Charlotte Bloomberg Public Science Common, featuring comedian Trevor Noah, astronauts Sian Proctor and Amanda Nguyen, and Pulitzer Prize-winning author and cancer physician Siddhartha Mukherjee.
The 10,000-square-foot venue, scheduled to open to the public Oct. 10, will host discussions, performances and immersive experiences exploring artificial intelligence, space exploration, climate change, public health and public trust in science.
The new facility is part of the museum’s broader initiative to reach 1 billion people worldwide through science storytelling by 2030.
“Science isn’t confined to distant labs. We live it every day, in our health, our culture, and the choices we make about our future,” said Tim Ritchie, Gwill York President of the Museum of Science. “This region holds some of the world’s richest intellectual capital, and the public deserves a front-row seat to it. The William and Charlotte Bloomberg Public Science Common opens that door.”
Among the highlights is the launch of Luminaries, a new discussion series bringing together prominent figures in science, technology and culture. Emmy Award-winning comedian Trevor Noah will headline the inaugural event Oct. 19 with a conversation about the ethics, opportunities and policy challenges surrounding artificial intelligence.
On Nov. 19, astronauts Sian Proctor and Amanda Nguyen will participate in “Breaking Barriers: Women in Space,” discussing their experiences in space exploration and the challenges they have overcome. Astronomer and science communicator Athena Brensberger will moderate the discussion.
The museum will also host “Clearing the Air” on Nov. 4, a panel discussion examining the connections between wildfire smoke, climate change, forest management and public health.
On Nov. 8, the museum will partner with MIT Press for Trust in Science Community Day, featuring discussions, interactive experiences, family activities and a book fair focused on strengthening public confidence in scientific institutions.
That evening, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and cancer physician Siddhartha Mukherjee will headline the Lee and Nile Albright Annual Symposium with a discussion about the history and future of medicine and the importance of public trust in science. Mukherjee is best known for his book “The Emperor of All Maladies.”
Additional programming includes a Nov. 13 appearance by Boston Globe Deputy Managing Editor Jeneé Osterheldt, who will bring her A Beautiful Resistance Live series to the venue, followed by an R&B celebration featuring SILK.
On Nov. 16, the museum will present a discussion on Indigenous knowledge and climate change featuring Amira Madison of the Aquinnah Wampanoag and Hartman Deetz of the Mashpee Wampanoag. The program will examine traditional approaches to environmental stewardship and climate resilience.
Bestselling author TJ Klune will appear Nov. 20 for a discussion celebrating a new edition of his novel “Murmuration,” exploring the relationship between science fiction and scientific discovery.
Beyond the scheduled events, the Bloomberg Public Science Common will offer rotating immersive exhibits and educational activities for visitors of all ages.
Programs include Wildlife Mystery Match, an interactive experience focused on identifying New England plants and animals; Prehistoric Playground, featuring fossils and dinosaur-themed activities; and Sound Lab Live!, which explores sound waves, energy and resonance through hands-on demonstrations.
Other experiences include Nature Sings: A Sonic Revival, which uses music, sound and imagery to explore threatened ecosystems, and Our Wild Coast: The Gulf of Maine, featuring marine wildlife photography by Keith Ellenbogen.
Visitors can also explore the solar system and distant galaxies through Cosmic Wayfinder, an interactive space exploration experience guided by museum educators.
Tickets for paid events will become available to museum members at 10 a.m. on Oct. 8 and to the general public at 10 a.m. on Oct. 9. Several programs will be included with regular museum admission, while others will be free with advance registration.
