In support of the Detroit Science Center's bid to transform itself into a premier engineering-focused museum, Toyota announced a $2 million contribution to the construction of the Toyota Engineering Theater. The contribution will help support the center's Engineering the Future campaign.
The Engineering the Future campaign will create 300 unique and interactive exhibits within an enhanced Energy & Matter Gallery and new Transportation, Space and Medical Marvels galleries. The new Toyota Engineering Theater will offer an immersive, multi-media experience for visitors. It will be the only venue in the state focused completely on engineering careers.
With active seating and a rotating stage, the high-tech theater will feature live hosts interfacing with "virtual" 3D presenters to profile stories of real engineers from across the state. Visitors can watch the 30-minute shows to learn more about the work life of an engineer, the academic skills required for an engineering degree and how the different technologies in the galleries were developed. The Toyota Engineering Theater is scheduled to open in December 2008.
"As Michigan continues to move towards becoming a knowledge-based economy, the enhancements to the Detroit Science Center will help inspire young visitors to pursue careers in engineering and other science-based fields," said Kevin Prihod, president and CEO of the Detroit Science Center.
This year, Toyota is celebrating its 50th anniversary in the United States.
