MoMath's Math Mansion: Double the Space, Double the Fun!

The National Museum of Mathematics, affectionately known as MoMath, has unveiled its significantly expanded and relocated facility in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood. This move, described as 'MoMath 2.0' by its executive director, Cindy Lawrence, more than doubles the museum's previous footprint. The new home boasts 72 exhibits, including 31 entirely new installations that delve into a wider array of mathematical disciplines.

A key feature of the expanded museum is its second-floor gallery space, dedicated to temporary exhibits and showcases of math-inspired art. MoMath's prominent new location on the Avenue of the Americas is strategically chosen to attract foot traffic from nearby shopping destinations. The museum aims to spark curiosity through interactive, carnival-like displays, such as the 'einstein' tile exhibit and an Escheresque 'impossible triangle.'

Among the new attractions is 'Prime Chain,' an exhibit illustrating Goldbach's conjecture, which posits that every even number greater than two is the sum of two prime numbers. This exhibit visually demonstrates the conjecture's validity for numbers up to 1,752. Another exhibit, 'Formula Fun,' uses a racecar analogy to explore linear, quadratic, and exponential equations, engaging young visitors with unpredictable outcomes.

Originally founded due to the lack of math museums in the US after the Goudreau Museum's 2006 closure, MoMath first opened in 2012. It has since welcomed over 1.5 million visitors. The museum's relocation was prompted when its previous building was sold and the new owners decided against a math museum. After a temporary move in 2024, MoMath found its current, larger home in a historic building that formerly housed a department store and a home improvement center.