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ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) – The Science Museum of Western Virginia will be leaving Center in the Square in Downtown Roanoke at the end of the year.
Center in the Square’s president confirmed on Monday that it will not be extending the lease of the Science Museum of Western Virginia when it expires at the end of the year.
Roanoke Mayor Joe Cobb told WDBJ7 on Monday that he was disappointed that the lease would not be extended.
“When a long-time organization like the Science Museum has been here with Center in the Square, I would’ve hoped that there could have been some conversation about even a one-year extension to allow them the time to relocate. For many people, one year’s notice of an end of lease is plenty of time. For organizations, it’s often more difficult,” said Cobb.
Cobb said he only recently learned of the decision and noted that Center in the Square is reevaluating its approach to think about how to generate more revenue.
Neither Center in the Square nor the Science Museum has provided a specific reason as to why the lease isn’t being extended. Cobb said the city has not been given a reason either.
In a statement, Center in the Square President Tara Marciniak did note that the nonprofit has notified the museum that it will be reclaiming its 4th and 5th Floors By January 1st, 2027. She said it costs over $3.4 million a year to run Center in the Square.
“As with any of our nonprofit tenants, we must consider the role that they are playing in Center in the Square’s mission, what their vision is for the future, and what exhibits, events, and programs they are offering, and if those offerings are logical fits for the spaces they are receiving,” said Marciniak, in an email to WDBJ7.
Mayor Cobb said that the city has not cut back on its funding for Center in the Square. He said the city has set up new guidelines that external agencies like Center in the Square will have to follow when they apply for funding.
“Because we want to make sure that we can support as many as we can, we felt it was important to reevaluate some of those guidelines,” said Cobb.
People in Roanoke said they were sad to hear that the museum will be moving.
“I thought that was pretty wild. I’m 44, and it’s been here my whole life. It’s great learning for kids, I take him (his son) there probably three times a year. I hope it moves somewhere close,” said Jesse Yates, who lives in Roanoke. “I think it’s pretty significant, at least for the schools. It’s close to all the local schools, and they can learn a lot in there.”
Joseph and Olivia Darwin said they were surprised to hear the museum will be moving.
“Hopefully, they’ll put it somewhere else that we can go enjoy it. Maybe downtown, or replace it with something else exciting in Center in the Square. We were surprised to hear that,” said Olivia. “Breaking news, but it’s disappointing; it’s a staple down here,” added Joseph.
Olivia said she would like to see more children’s activities brought to Center in the Square in place of the museum.
Mayor Cobb said he wants to see both organizations thrive and is optimistic about their futures. He said he thinks the Science Museum will have options for its future.
“With their focus on science, it’s all about research, and it’s all about looking for special opportunities and partnerships. I know their board and director are actively looking at those opportunities, and I’m excited to hear about what may emerge in the future,” said Cobb.
Cobb said he hopes to hear more on Center in the Square’s plans for the 4th and 5th floors in the near future. He said he hopes whatever replaces the museum has some educational value.
“Part of my concern with the Science Museum and the Harrison Museum is that we’re losing some of our local history and educational components. So I hope Center will consider those; sometimes it’s not always about making money, of course, everyone has to generate revenue, including nonprofit organizations. Sometimes it’s about telling the whole story of a community. I think Center has a real opportunity right now to reimagine what that looks like,” said Cobb.
The Science Museum’s President, Mary Roberts Baako, provided the following information about the museum’s future in a press release on Friday:
Like many nonprofit institutions, we are actively planning for long-term sustainability. We are having thoughtful conversations about what the next chapter of the Science Museum should look like: how we grow, how we serve more students, and how we ensure our impact continues for generations to come.
Change can feel uncertain. But it can also be powerful.
What we know with certainty:
• The Science Museum is not leaving the Roanoke Valley.
• Our programs will continue as scheduled throughout all of 2026.
• Our commitment to this region is unwavering.
As we move forward, we are committed to doing this with our community. In the coming weeks, we will be sharing more details and creating opportunities to listen, gather feedback, and engage families, teachers, alumni, and partners who have shaped this institution for decades.
Everyone in this region has a memory here, a first field trip, a science experiment gone slightly wrong, a moment when curiosity turned into confidence. Those stories matter. They are the heartbeat of who we are.
While there is uncertainty as to where the museum will live beyond 2026, we have been actively exploring options for our future home. We look forward to sharing more soon.
Leaders of both Center in the Square and the Science Museum declined to be interviewed about the situation on Monday. The Science Museum posted on Facebook that memberships won’t be impacted by the move.
Both organizations said they’ll provide more information about their future plans in the coming weeks and months.
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