June 8, 2022 — The Science Museum of Virginia is taking a major step forward on The Green, the 6-acre community greenspace in front of the historic building along Broad Street. Thanks to a $500,000 challenge grant from the Mary Morton Parsons Foundation, the Science Museum can maximize the impact of future financial support.
“This challenge grant comes at a critical time in our fundraising efforts to build this amazing community resource,” said Chief Wonder Officer Richard Conti. “With the successful completion of the match, the Science Museum will be able to enter phase two of work on this native, urban park that will serve as both a community gathering space and showcase examples of natural solutions to address the impacts of climate change.”
Founded in 1988 by Richmond philanthropist Mrs. Mary Morton Parsons, the Mary Morton Parsons Foundation is a private, non-operating foundation supporting the capital needs of charitable organizations. To date, the Foundation has awarded approximately $143 million to qualified grantees.
The Foundation has been a Science Museum champion for several decades. The Mary Morton Parsons Earth-Moon Sculpture — which includes the 29-ton granite floating globe located in front of the building informally known as the Kugel — was made possible through a Foundation challenge grant in 1999. The Foundation supported the Science Museum again in 2013 during its Inspire the World Campaign, which produced the first new permanent exhibition in over a decade, “Boost,” a new approach to human physiology and the science of staying healthy.
Thousands of native trees and plants will play a key role in achieving The Green’s design goals and desired environmental and health benefits. A tree-lined allée paralleling Broad Street will enhance the pedestrian experience along this busy thoroughfare while buffering traffic activity, sequestering carbon and managing stormwater. The Green, which is being completed in three phases and projected to be fully realized in 2025, will include walking paths and public art while complementing architect John Russell Pope’s iconic design of Broad Street Station.
The Green aligns with the city’s Richmond 300 development plan, which prioritizes green infrastructure for Greater Scott’s Addition. As one of the fastest-growing, high-density, mixed-use neighborhoods in the city, the district has one of the lowest levels of urban tree cover in Richmond.
For more information about The Green, please visit smv.org/thegreen or contact the Science Museum of Virginia Foundation at 804.864.1540.
About the Science Museum of Virginia
From virtual presentations featuring STEM experts to fun videos on social media to in-person experiential exhibits, the Science Museum of Virginia looks for every opportunity to inspire all Virginians to enrich their lives through science. Helping curious minds discover the connections between — and their connection to — science, technology, engineering and math guides Science Museum staff in all they do. Learn more at smv.org or call 804.864.1400.