Museum of Math Opening in NYC 2012

From The New York Times

The Mystery of the Menger Sponge
By KENNETH CHANG

One of the proposed exhibits for the Museum of Mathematics involves a Menger sponge, a geometric object devised by a mathematician named Karl Menger in 1926.

The Menger sponge consists of a cube with square holes, arrayed in a fractal pattern, through the top and the sides.

“It’s a well-known object that people have studied for a long time,” said George Hart, the museum’s chief of content. “But it’s only recently that anyone thought to slice it in this interesting way.”

In the proposed exhibit, a visitor can pull apart the two pieces of the Menger sponge and discover that the holes along the diagonal are not squares, but six-sided stars. "It's like a 'gosh, that's really cool' kind of emotion people have," Dr. Hart said. "It's a very nice example of how mathematics can give you these big surprises."

Smaller blocks would help visitors understand what is going on. Along the diagonal, a square hole is stretched into a diamond shape, and the intersection of holes from three directions produces the Star of David shape.

http://momath.org/gallery/

From The Museum of Math's website-

Mission

Mathematics illuminates the patterns that abound in our world. The Museum of Mathematics strives to enhance public understanding and perception of mathematics. Its dynamic exhibits and programs will stimulate inquiry, spark curiosity, and reveal the wonders of mathematics. The museum’s activities will lead a broad and diverse audience to understand the evolving, creative, human, and aesthetic nature of mathematics.

Brief history

The Museum of Mathematics began in response to the closing of a small museum of mathematics on Long Island, the Goudreau Museum. A group of interested parties (the “Working Group”) met in August 2008 to explore the creation of a new museum of mathematics — one that would go well beyond the Goudreau in both its scope and methodology. Led by Glen Whitney, the group quickly discovered that there was no museum of mathematics in the United States, and yet there was incredible demand for hands on math programming.

Accomplishments to date include creating the popular Math Midway exhibition, which is currently touring museums throughout the United States; leading math tours in various U.S. cities; the Math Encounters presentation series; delivering programs for students, teachers, and the public to increase appreciation of mathematics; and raising over $22 million to date.

Organization

The Museum is governed by a Board of Trustees, receives intellectual guidance from an Advisory Council, and operates with the assistance of the Working Group. Glen Whitney serves as President of the Board of Trustees and Executive Director of the museum.

Charter

The Museum received its official charter from the New York State Department of Education on November 17, 2009.


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