Boeing Hall is a two-story, 13,000-square-foot exhibition hall that connects to the east side of the Saint Louis Science Center. The hall also includes a rooftop terrace, which provides a unique setting for outdoor educational programs and special events. The science center has applied for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for the building.

At the conclusion of the "Star Trek" exhibition next spring, the hall will be used for additional traveling exhibits, exhibits created by science center staff and special events, said Philip Needleman, interim president and CEO of the science center.

Boeing Hall replaces the Exploradome, which is located at the west end of the building, Needleman said. "That was a temporary inflatable structure that had a discrete lifetime. It's already two to three years past its lifetime. I would anticipate that it will probably stand for only another year and then be deflated."

The science center is evaluating plans for a smaller permanent structure to replace the Exploradome and house offices. Needleman also hopes to carve out space for students participating in the FIRST robotics program. FIRST, which inspires young people's interest and participation in science and technology, is holding their annual robotics championships in St. Louis in April 2012 and 2013.

"All of these high school and church groups have no place to practice," Needleman said. He wants to provide a functional practice arena for FIRST groups who are preparing for robotics competitions.

The Saint Louis Science Center is located at 5050 Oakland Avenue, St. Louis, Mo., 63110.

Bottom: City of St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay; Donna Wilkinson, president of the board of trustees for the Saint Louis Science Center, Dennis Muilenburg, president and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security; and Ted Hellman, chairman of the science center's board of commissioners (from left to right) cut the ribbon to officially open Boeing Hall, the science center's new expansion, in a private ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 1. "Star Trek: The Exhibition" is the first exhibition in the new hall, finished earlier this fall by Alberici Constructors and designed by PGAV Destinations.

Photos courtesy of Saint Louis Science Center.

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