How, exactly, does one go about building the world’s most realistic model of the solar system? Perhaps the best person to answer that question is Matthew O’Connor, the Deputy Director of Smithsonian Exhibits.  Mr. O’Connor has developed an initial budget and project plan for fabrication and installation of the physical display, and has assembled a team to make it happen.

Projected costs for fabrication and installation of the sun, planets and moon displays in Manhattan (not counting alternate planet locations in Staten Island, Brooklyn or Queens), as well as obtaining the requisite approvals, range from $760K – $1.1M over the course of 12-24 months. Programming and development costs for the associated mobile app are estimated at $220k – $300k. Marketing, outreach, website development and educational efforts will add further to the cost. Even so, the project is ready to begin, pending sufficient funding.

A list of some of the individuals and organizations working on the project is here. And to stay current with all of the latest developments, make sure to join our mailing list.

And, of course: we could use your help! Your donation to The Valente Project, Ltd. can help bring Planet Walk NYC to life. Contributions for the charitable purposes of Planet Walk NYC may be made below, and are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law::