Rebranded And Rejuvenated, Sacred Heart University Discovery Museum Holds Opening

FAIRFIELD, CT — A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Friday to christen the new Sacred Heart University Discovery Science Center & Planetarium.

University and local officials were on hand to open the doors after the school gave around $250,000 in funds and in-kind services to help rejuvenate the facility.

“This is a very, very big day for Discovery,” said Erika Eng, longtime executive director of the institution formerly known as the Discovery Museum and Planetarium, located at 4450 Park Ave., just across the Fairfield border in Bridgeport.

Through its contribution, the university has fostered changes in the way of new infrastructure, advanced technology and improving the physical aspects of the facility, such as landscaping.

Consequently, the museum itself has been able to free up more funds to focus attention on the many programs and exhibits it offers, including the new digital full-dome Henry B. duPont III Planetarium, which features a 33-foot diameter dome and a dual-projector 4K laser projection system — reputed to be the most advanced in the state at the moment.

“New life has been needed to be breathed into this institution for a long time,” said Eng, with the operation having been closed for 18 months, since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.

The shutdown, however, proved to have a silver lining, she said, as it led to conversation with the university about the partnership.

“We decided to stay closed a little bit longer,” she said, in order to make the upgrades.

Following this week’s public opening, set for Saturday, visitors will have the chance to explore a wide range of exhibits, including those focused on the five senses, the magic of flight, movement and motion, dinosaurs, and all things STEAM.

Robert Panza, chair of the musuem’s board, expressed his excitement at “the reinvention and reimagining” of the facility.

“Thank you for being here to celebrate with all of us,” he said, praising the work of both SHU and museum staff, whom he said, “have been tireless in their efforts to make this day and a new beginning happen.”

SHU President John Petillo said that the new facility will be an integral part of work done at area schools, which he looks forward to seeing make use of it.

“It’s been wonderful working with Erika and Bob,” he said during the ceremony, after which he went and toured the facility.

“Hopefully we’ll be having more exhibits as the months and the years go by,” he said.