NJEDA Board Approves First Awards Under the Cultural and Arts Facilities Expansion Program

Nearly $105M investment will support the expansion and renovation of institutions in Jersey City and Morristown

TRENTON, N.J. (November 14, 2025) – This week, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board approved more than $104.8 million in tax credits under the Cultural Arts Facilities Expansion (CAFE) Program to support major expansions and renovations of the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City and the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown. The projects, which are receiving the first awards under the CAFE Program, will upgrade existing spaces and add new experiences for guests, increasing attendance, generating revenue for local businesses, and bolstering the state’s arts and cultural sector.

“New Jersey is home to a thriving arts and culture sector that strengthens our state’s economy and highlights our incredible diversity and talent,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “The expansion of vibrant cultural institutions like the Liberty Science Center and the Mayo Performing Arts Center will serve as an economic catalyst for communities across the state, increasing quality of life for New Jerseyans and expanding economic opportunities for arts and culture organizations.” 

“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey has supported the creativity and talent of the state’s residents through meaningful investments in the arts and culture sector,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Today’s approvals under the NJEDA’s CAFE Program are a significant milestone in our continued efforts to strengthen arts and culture institutions in throughout the state, helping create jobs and strengthen our economic future.”

“Arts and cultural institutions in New Jersey are community pillars, creating jobs for residents, revitalizing main streets, and boosting local tax revenues,” said NJEDA Deputy Chief Executive Officer Mary Maples. “The Liberty Science Center and the Mayo Performing Arts Center exemplify the economic impact of arts and cultural facilities, attracting thousands of guests and generating millions of dollars in economic activity. With support from the NJEDA’s CAFE Program, these centers will continue to educate and attract locals and visitors for decades to come.”

Located in Liberty State Park in Jersey City, the Liberty Science Center is a 300,000-square-foot interactive museum that serves more than 800,000 visitors annually, serving as a hub for large scale art installations, live and media arts performances, and on-site cultural events. The renovation, known as Project Supernova, will add more than 100,000 square feet of outdoor exhibition space and rehabilitate the center’s current exhibitions, including the Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium, which is the largest and most technologically advanced planetarium in the Western Hemisphere. New immersive science exhibits and cultural experiences in the outdoor sections will transform the Liberty Science Center into an all-weather destination where learning is hands-on and accessible to all.

The Liberty Science Center was approved for an award of 100 percent of eligible project costs, not to exceed $39.8 million.

“The Liberty Science Center has inspired millions of students, teachers, and parents over the years by making science and technology both accessible and fun. For countless children, a field trip to the Center is a cherished part of growing up — an experience that has made it a true hallmark of a New Jersey education,” said Senator Angela V. McKnight (D-31). “This outdoor expansion and rehabilitation under the CAFE Program will allow the Liberty Science Center to evolve and grow just as our understanding of science does, providing even more opportunities for hands-on learning and exploration. I thank the NJEDA, Governor Murphy, and NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan for investing in and prioritizing a Jersey City cultural institution that fosters curiosity, creativity, and innovation in the next generation.”

“With construction now underway on SciTech Scity, Jersey City has become a model for how investment in innovation can transform an entire community,” said Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop. “We’re thankful for this NJEDA funding to make future upgrades at Liberty Science Center, reinforcing our city’s role as a national leader in driving jobs, growth, and opportunity for generations to come.”

“This major expansion of LSC is a vibrant fusion of science, ecology, and culture, honoring New Jersey’s famous scientific legacy and natural ecosystems,” said President and CEO of Liberty Science Center Paul Hoffman. “True to the DNA of Liberty Science Center, the project is bold, forward-looking, and inclusive, transforming the Center into an all-weather campus and world-class tourist destination where learning is fun, hands-on, and accessible to all. I am grateful to Governor Murphy and the EDA for embracing this visionary project.”

The Mayo Performing Arts Center operates a historic 1,300-seat venue and has served as a cultural institution in Morristown for over 30 years, generating more than $18 million to the local economy and attracting over 240,000 patrons annually. The project will add more than 31,000 square feet of new construction, including a new arts and education center, artist spaces, and studios, renovate more than 16,000 square feet of existing spaces, and restore the 46,000-square-foot historic theater auditorium. New spaces and upgrades to the property will expand the center’s Performing Arts School and update its artistic offerings, enhancing learning opportunities and increasing attendance.

The Mayo Performing Arts Center was also approved for an award of 100 percent of eligible project costs, not to exceed $65 million.

“The Mayo Performing Arts Center is not just a world-class venue, it’s a cultural cornerstone of our community, energizing downtown Morristown and enriching the lives of residents across the Garden State,” said Senator Anthony M. Bucco (R-25). “Our arts organizations play a vital role in strengthening our economy, inspiring creativity, and expanding opportunities for young people and this investment will go a long way toward supporting critical upgrades, expanding programs, and improving the guest experience. I look forward to continuing to work with our partners in the arts to ensure our cultural institutions continue to grow, innovate, and remain a lasting fixture of New Jersey’s future.”

“Morristown’s arts community has always been a source of pride for our town,” said Morristown Mayor Timothy P. Dougherty. “The expansion of the Mayo Performing Arts Center will build on that legacy, bringing more opportunities for creativity, education, and community. This investment will help keep Morristown a destination where the arts continue to thrive and strengthen our local economy.”

“Since it began as a single screen movie theatre in 1937, to its current standing as one of the top 50 Performing Arts Centers worldwide, MPAC has been at the heart of arts and entertainment in the North Jersey region. The awarding of $65 million in CAFE tax credits is a transformational opportunity for MPAC’s next phase in our evolution and further elevates Morristown as a premier arts destination in our state.  We are deeply grateful to the New Jersey Economic Development Authority for this extraordinary award,” said Allison Larena, President and CEO, Mayo Performing Arts Center.

The CAFE Program aims to increase cultural arts activities across the state, attract visitors, boost engagement with the arts in underserved communities, and revitalize downtowns by providing tax credits to build or renovate facilities, including aquariums, historical societies, libraries, galleries, and museums. Eligible awardees can receive tax credits covering 100 percent of eligible project costs, up to $75 million. For more information on the program, click here.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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