The National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath), the first of its kind in the US, is preparing for its launch in New York this weekend (Saturday 15 December).

Spread across two floors and featuring more than 30 interactive exhibits, the museum has been designed to enhance public understanding and perception of mathematics.

It has been developed over the past four years, in response to the closing of the Goudreau Museum, a small museum of mathematics on Long Island. A working group first met in August 2008 to explore the creation of a museum of maths, one that would go well beyond the Goudreau in both its scope and methodology.

Led by mathematician Glen Whitney - who describes himself as a hedge fund manager turned mathematics advocate - the group discovered there was no dedicated museum of mathematics in the US, while demand for hands-on math programming was increasing.

According to Whitney, the museum's activities will "lead a broad and diverse audience to understand the evolving, creative, human, and aesthetic nature of mathematics".

He added: "MoMath will elevate New York City's reputation as a world cultural capital and will fulfill an incredible demand for hands-on math programming,

"With a suite of dynamic, interactive exhibits and programmes geared for adults and children of all ages, the Museum will stimulate inquiry, spark curiosity, and reveal the many wonders of math."

The museum is governed by a board of trustees, receives intellectual guidance from an advisory council, and operates with the assistance of a working group with Whitney serving as president of the board of and executive director of the museum.