Today, March 26, 2021, would have been the late Leonard Nimoy’s 90th birthday. And to honor the legendary Star Trek actor the City of Boston declared today Leonard Nimoy Day. And the Boston Museum of Science just announced they are partnering with the Nimoy family to develop a memorial honoring him and his famed Vulcan Salute.
Vulcan Salute monument at Boston Museum of Science
We first reported on the Nimoy memorial effort late last year, but at that time a design, location, and other details had not been finalized. Today the Boston Museum of Science announced the development of the monument honoring the Boston native, which will be located at the museum. The current plan calls for a 20-foot, illuminated, stainless steel monument shaped in the famous “Live Long and Prosper” Vulcan salute developed by Nimoy for Star Trek. The sculpture designed by artist David Phillips will be located in front of the museum, at Science Park.
Artist rendering of Nimoy monument at Boston’s Science Museum
“The “Live Long and Prosper” symbol represents a message that my dad believed so strongly in,” said Julie Nimoy, daughter of the Star Trek legend. “My dad always loved Boston and he would be honored knowing that the Museum of Science would be the permanent home to this memorial. The sculpture not only depicts one of the world’s most recognized and loved gestures for peace, tolerance, and diversity, but it will also be a beautiful tribute to my dad’s life and legacy.”
Leonard Nimoy was born in the West End of Boston, just blocks from where the Museum of Science is now located. In the 1980’s Nimoy collaborated with the Museum of Science as the recognizable voice of the introduction film of the Mugar Omni Theater which continues to welcome millions of audience members for more than 30 years.
“Leonard Nimoy was one of our own. Growing up a few blocks from the Museum of Science, he never forgot his immigrant roots. He was, and forever will be, a beloved part of our Museum family,” says Tim Ritchie president of the Museum of Science. “He lifted our aspirations and hopes through his commitment to science, intellectual curiosity, generosity, and, yes, logic. He reminded us about the best part of humanity and gave us a vision for building a society based on reason and tolerance. The opportunity to pay tribute to him is a great honor and what better day to make this announcement than on what would have been his 90th birthday.”
The Museum of Science and the Family of Leonard Nimoy will collaborate on the next phases of development of the Leonard Nimoy memorial sculpture which will include finalizing site plan, fundraising, and construction. Those interested in donating to the memorial fund can visit mos.org/Nimoy.
I work in Boston and pass by the Museum of Science every day. This will be a great inspiration not only to me but many others.
Live long and prosper!! Leonard Nimoy is awesome!
I don’t know whether the Boston Museum of Science still uses the introduction Nimoy recorded for their Omni theater, but it always put a smile on my face. At one point, a voice said, “Leonard Nimoy? How did they get him?” and Nimoy’s voice replied, “He grew up a few blocks from here.”
Ha ha That’s awesome!
They have it for many many years. Last time I visited the museum, pre-pandemic, they were still using his introduction. Now I bet will stay for more years to come. :P
I love Boston. This is a classy tribute from a classy city.
Well, it’s a classy tribute.
In other words, you don’t like Boston? It’s fine if you don’t… Just asking.
Been there a few times…just not my cup of tea for this West Coaster. And the sports fans there are so arrogant…lol
Boston is a great city!
Spock was an amazing creation who has comforted legions of people who feel like outsiders and inspired generations of scientists.
Although I mourn Mr. Nimoy still, I’m glad he lived long enough to know just how important his creation was and how much it moved us all.
Spock will live in my heart as long as I do. I’m glad the Museum of Science feels the same way. :-)
Agreed 100%. What an amazing tribute
Can’t wait to see the memorial sculpture! Because of this and many other reasons we love the Museum of Science. My favorite weekend spot when I was in college. :P
When my kid was a toddler, we used to go 2-3 times a week. My kid learned from university students and retired Professors, many from MIT. One of our favorite places when our family and friends come and visit!
I have been to many museums. But this one is amazing and magic. So cool the city and the museum are giving him the recognition that he really deserves. Please come and visit, when you get a chance.
Very cool !
Love it!
I belatedly read The Legacy of Spock just the other night, was a great story like a follow up to Countdown & Spock Reflections and had a wonderful (and similar) tribute at the end
Great news! What a fitting, and lasting, tribute to Mr. Leonard Nimoy.
Probably the most iconic image that’s synonymous with a character, and the man behind that character too.
Seems like the location, outside the Boston Museum of Science, couldn’t be any more perfect.
Really nicely worded tributes to Mr. Nimoy, from his daughter Julie and Tim Ritchie too.
It’s really nice to see iconic Star Trek characters being honored in the real world. This is really great and and way to honor Nimoy and Spock. It looks like it will be just as nice as Janeway’s statue turned out.
Love it!
I live an hour from Boston…excited to see it…
So…it’s like that sculpture in Logan’s Run?
Ah, good catch!
Very nice! And well deserved. LLAP, Sir.