Empire State Development has announced the completion of the restoration project for the historic north facade and front steps of the Buffalo Museum of Science. The museum, located within Martin Luther King, Jr. Park on Buffalo’s East Side, received a $2.6 million grant from Empire State Development’s East Side Corridor Economic Development Fund to support these improvements.
The restoration included repairs to the original staircase, plazas, sidewalks, curbing, and limestone cladding of the 100,000-square-foot building designed by Esenwein and Johnson in 1929. Security upgrades, repairs to original storm-windows, and adaptations for ADA accessibility were also part of the project.
“The Museum of Science is one of many important neighborhood assets of Buffalo’s East Side,” said Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight. “The East Side Corridor Economic Development Fund’s support of improvements at the museum have a direct impact on the overall character of the neighborhood. Not only are we helping to restore an important historic building, but we are also creating future opportunities for both formal and informal outdoor programming by the museum to add to the MLK Park experience.”
Previously closed off since 1977 due to deterioration and safety concerns, the main entrance had been inaccessible for nearly five decades. The restored staircase now provides direct access between the museum and MLK Park.
The restoration was identified as a key element in a broader initiative launched in 2019 through Empire State Development’s $65 million East Side Corridor Economic Development Fund. This program aims to stabilize historic buildings and assets on Buffalo’s East Side while strengthening business districts and supporting small business growth. Other projects under this fund include grants for landscape improvements in MLK Park and restoration work on its greenhouse complex.
“We are excited to complete the restoration of the Museum’s original north facade and staircase, a project that includes ADA accessibility and reflects our deep commitment to being good neighbors within the community. This milestone sets the stage for a transformative future as we reimagine how visitors enter and engage with the museum, inspiring new possibilities throughout our exhibits and galleries” said Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences President and CEO Gary Siddall. “The generous funding from the East Side Corridor Economic Development Fund, the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, and the City of Buffalo allowed us to renovate the exterior of our building to better reflect the vibrancy of our neighborhood and the quality STEM experiences and treasured collections found beyond these doors.”
Since 2010, BMS has renovated all its permanent exhibit spaces; in July 2018 it reopened its rooftop Kellogg observatory following extensive upgrades. In 2026, it plans to open Science Stadium—a permanent exhibit developed in partnership with local sports teams—to highlight connections between science and sport.
Siddall noted that both this restoration project and upcoming exhibits represent significant progress as BMS approaches its centennial celebration in 2029.
City officials highlighted community pride associated with reopening such a prominent cultural site. City of Buffalo Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon said: “The Buffalo Museum of Science is not only a cultural treasure, but a cornerstone of our East Side community. The restoration…is about restoring pride, accessibility, and opportunity to one of Buffalo’s most storied neighborhoods…I want to thank Empire State Development, Dormitory Authority…and Gary Siddall…for their dedication.”
Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes added: “I am happy to see completion…of renovation…Not only does [the] museum reside in [my] district but also [my] neighborhood…This is a historic building within a historic park…[and] more programming opportunities are now available because [of] this renovation.”
Senator April N.M. Baskin commented: “Nearly 100 years old…the iconic East Side building stands as a beacon…With completion…access…will continue…to educate…and inspire…thousands…who pass through its doors…I applaud…the vision demonstrated by leaders at…the Fund…”
Senator Sean Ryan stated: “Projects like this reaffirm that our community’s history matters…and restoring its stately facade…strengthens its bond with…the neighbors who have treasured it all these years.”
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz remarked: “The restoration…returns that welcoming space to its former grandeur…and rightful place as…the grand entrance…[as] centennial celebration is on horizon…”
Empire State Development serves as New York’s chief economic development agency focused on business growth across ten regions statewide (https://esd.ny.gov/). The agency also oversees broadband equity initiatives via ConnectALL (https://broadband.ny.gov/) and workforce development programs (https://esd.ny.gov/workforce-development).
The Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences manages both BMS—home to more than 700,000 objects—and Tifft Nature Preserve—a 264-acre urban wetland offering free hiking trails year-round (https://www.sciencebuff.org/;https://www.tifft.org/).
For more information about current exhibits or visiting hours at BMS visit www.sciencebuff.org.
