The Miami Science Museum hosted two events Friday at the JW Marriott Marquis—the 10th annual Galaxy Gala and the Big Bang—held in conjunction with this week's groundbreaking of the new $275 million Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science building to be located in Museum Park by Biscayne Bay. The festivities catered to a mix of both long-time museum supporters and young professionals. All proceeds raised from the gala and live auction benefit the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science, which is set to open in 2015.
The lavish, black tie-optional Galaxy Gala began with a cocktail reception for 560 guests, along with an extensive silent auction with sports memorabilia, vacation getaways, fine jewelry, and vintage wines. After cocktails, guests sat at tables in the third-floor ballroom with clear and silver centerpieces at the outer-space, metallic-themed event.
The upscale affair was heavy on audiovisual entertainment, complete with three LED screens that projected science-inspired backdrops, as colored laser beams and intelligent moving lights shot through haze and low-line fog. Entertainment provided by Wow Factor and the company's director of special events, Yoly Solano-Garcia, included bubble-encased performance artists, a professional drummer, skilled dancers, and suited astronauts.
As the gala continued, staffers revamped the cocktail area for the Big Bang event for young professionals. Magic City Casino sponsored the event, which included an open bar from Bacardi and passed hors d’oeuvres, including lentil spoons and croquettes, provided by the venue.
Later in the evening, Big Bang guests were invited to crash the Galaxy Gala. As new museum enthusiasts merged with gala veterans, DJ Mark Leventhal transformed the formal affair into a lively nightclub.