A major new US$250m (£150.9m, EUR170.4m) fundraising campaign has been launched by the Museum of Science, Boston, US, to help support its plans to overhaul the attraction.

It is expected that the campaign will help the museum to transform its exhibits and galleries to explore the history of the natural and designed worlds across the Green and Blue Wings. A transformation of the attraction's public spaces and amenities and new partnerships with other museums across the world are also proposed under the plans.

More than 10,000 contributors have enabled the Museum of Science to generate US$150m (£90.6m, EUR102.3m) during what it called the 'quiet phase' of the campaign since 2004. The success of the 'quiet phase' has seen museum trustees approve the latest campaign, which also followed a feasibility and planning study by The Wayland Group.

Museum of Science president and director Ioannis Miaoulis said: "Together with our benefactors and strategic partners we will realise our vision and reach the broadest possible audience with exciting programs, timely exhibits, and bold initiatives that attract and engage area residents as well as people around the world." Image: Museum of Science, Boston - (c) Michael Malyszko