Image: CSC will be the new home of Endeavour

California Science Center (CSC) has said it is now close to the halfway point in its fundraising for a planned new Air and Space Center, following the receipt of a "transformational gift".

The Mr and Mrs Samuel Oschin Family Foundation has provided the donation, which has taken the US attraction closer to its EndeavourLA campaign target of US$200m (EUR157m, £127m).

As a result of the gift, the facility - the future home of retired space shuttle Endeavour - is to be called the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center when it opens within five years.

CSC has revealed that Endeavour will go on show at the Samuel Oschin Space Shuttle Endeavour Display Pavilion this autumn while the new facility is built.

The design architects for the new facility are Zimmer Gunsul Fasca and the executive architects are Esherick, Homsey, Dodge and Davis. Work is now starting on the concept design phase.

"Integrating hands-on exhibits to encourage active learning and a unique collection of aircraft and spacecraft, this new facility will be a launch pad for creativity and innovation," said CSC president Jeffrey N Rudolph.

"It will inspire the next generation of explorers and scientists and will strengthen the Science Center's ability to stimulate curiosity and inspire science learning."

Details: www.californiasciencecenter.org

Image: Richard Kim