The National Museum of Mathematics (National Museum of Mathematics), or MoMath, is a unique space in Manhattan, New York, dedicated to popularizing mathematics. Opened on December 15, 2012, the museum offers more than thirty interactive exhibits that reveal the charm of mathematical concepts and their significance in everyday life.
Mission and History of Creation
The museum's mission is to change the perception of mathematics by making it accessible, interesting, and understandable for a broad audience. The museum aims to "expand understanding and concepts of mathematics" through interactive programs and installations.
The idea of creating the museum arose in 2006, after the closure of the only mathematical museum in the United States at the time – the Goudreau Museum on Long Island. A group of enthusiasts led by Glenn Whitney, the founder and first executive director, began working on a new project. In 2009, they received an official license from the New York State Department of Education and raised over $22 million in four years to realize the idea.
The first location of the museum was a 19,000 square foot space in the Goudreau Building on East 26th Street in Manhattan. Although the project faced some resistance from the local community, architectural plans were approved, and the museum began its activities.
Main Exhibits and Programs
1. Unique Interactive Exhibits
Among the most famous exhibits are a tricycle with square wheels that rolls smoothly over a catenary surface. Other exhibits include "Ring of Fire," which uses lasers to create intersections of three-dimensional objects, and a mathematical organ that allows creating custom functions and observing the results.
2. Math Midway
This traveling exhibition of interactive mathematical exhibits appeared in 2009 at the World Science Festival. Since then, it has visited dozens of states in the USA, and in 2016, it was sold to the Science Centre Singapore. To continue the initiative, Math Midway 2 Go (MM2GO) was created – a compact version of the best exhibits, traveling to schools and community centers.
3. Math Encounters
A monthly lecture series by renowned mathematicians, organized in partnership with the Simons Foundation. It covers a variety of topics: from origami geometry to mathematical aspects of juggling. Speakers, including leading scientists and journalists, unveil complex topics in an engaging manner.
4. Art Exhibitions
In 2016, the museum opened an exhibition titled "Inner World of Things" featuring works by Spanish sculptor Miguel Berzal. In 2024, MoMath hosted a traveling installation "Mathemalchemy," which united mathematics and art, demonstrating abstract concepts through humor and models.
Perspectives and New Horizons
In March 2024, MoMath temporarily moved to a new space at 225 Fifth Avenue due to renovations of the main area. In November 2024, the museum announced the lease of a significantly larger space in Chelsea, at 635 Avenue of the Americas. The new location will become the museum's home in 2026, opening new opportunities for expanding exhibits and programs.
The National Museum of Mathematics is a place where science becomes an interactive adventure. Regardless of your age or level of knowledge, MoMath offers an exciting journey into a world of numbers, shapes, and logic that changes our understanding of mathematics.
Current Information:
Address: 225 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010, United States
Contacts: +1 (212)-542-0566
Opening Hours:
Mon-Sun 10:00-17:00 (10:00 AM-05:00 PM)
