Capital Campaign
Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe
Capital Campaign
Nikola Tesla’s last remaining laboratory at Wardenclyffe stands as a beacon of innovation, invention, and discovery. Through our Capital Campaign, we aim to transform this historic site into a global center of excellence that honors Tesla’s legacy while inspiring the next generation of innovators.
The Plan
We are reimagining Wardenclyffe’s 16-acre campus to become a hub of imaginative thinking, attracting audiences from around the globe. At TSCW, we are embarking on a journey to reimagine the historic 16-acre campus into a global hub of imaginative thinking and innovation. Guided by the pioneering spirit of Nikola Tesla, our plan seeks to transform Wardenclyffe into a beacon for science, education, and creativity that attracts diverse audiences from around the globe.
The Eugene Ugur Sayan Visitor Center
The Visitor Center will house an exhibit space and a classroom for onsite programming. A space for visitors to explore Tesla’s life and work, engage with science and technology exhibits, and participate in innovative programming. The center will enable us to expand access, test exhibits, and gather community feedback.
Tesla’s Laboratory
At the heart of the visitor experience, Tesla’s historic lab will be renovated into a dynamic museum showcasing his groundbreaking work and its enduring relevance. Designed by the famed architect Stanford White in 1901, this 10,000-square-foot structure will house immersive exhibits that celebrate Tesla’s genius.
Education for the Future
Tesla’s belief in invention will come alive through cutting-edge science exhibits and public EdTech programming, delivered both on-site and virtually. Our focus is on inspiring innovation and fostering collaboration among emerging inventors of all ages.
The Goal
To develop the site of Nikola Tesla’s last remaining laboratory into a transformative global science center that embraces his bold spirit of invention, provides innovative learning experiences, fosters the advancement of new technologies, and preserves his legacy in the Tesla Museum.
The cost of this transformative project was estimated at $20 million, with $14 million already raised. Today, with the additional fire damage and adjustments for inflation, the total estimated cost has risen to $24 million. Your support will help us achieve this ambitious goal and secure Tesla’s legacy for future generations.
The World Saved Wardenclyffe. Now, Let's Build the Future.
In August 2012, internet cartoonist Matt Inman, creator of The Oatmeal, launched a groundbreaking crowdfunding campaign to save Nikola Tesla's Wardenclyffe. With an initial goal of $850,000 to purchase the property and transform it into a museum dedicated to Tesla’s legacy, the campaign became a massive success, raising nearly $1.4 million from over 33,000 donors worldwide. The collective efforts rescued Wardenclyffe from demolition and secured its place in history as a symbol of innovation and discovery.
Matt continues to be an ardent supporter of Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe and recently joined our board of directors, further solidifying his commitment to preserving Tesla's legacy and advancing our mission.
Since then, TSCW and its supporters have worked tirelessly to obtain permits, secure approvals, design site plans, and take every necessary step to restore the only remaining laboratory built by the visionary inventor who shaped our modern world. The success of the campaign not only saved a significant piece of scientific history but also galvanized global interest in Tesla's contributions to modern technology, laying the foundation for ongoing efforts to develop Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe.
The world saved Wardenclyffe—now, let’s build the future! It’s time to break ground and bring Tesla’s vision to life. But we can’t do it without your help! Together, we can ensure that Wardenclyffe remains a beacon of innovation for generations to come.
Join Us in Shaping the Future
By contributing to the Tesla Science Center Capital Campaign, you are investing in more than a restoration project. You are igniting the spark of innovation, empowering dreamers and inventors, and creating a world where Tesla’s legacy continues to inspire. Together, we can transform Wardenclyffe into a landmark of scientific discovery and a catalyst for the future of innovation.
For more information, please contact Danielle Butler, Director of Development via email at via email at dbutler@teslasciencecenter.org or 631-886-2632
