It’s been a long time coming. The newly renovated Liberty Science Center (www.lsc.org) makes its debut this week with a slew of new exhibits and a multi-million dollar facelift.

The most prominent area focuses on skyscrapers. Located over two floors of the Center, it’s a lesson in the challenge of designing and constructing these behemoths, in a post- 9/11 world.

On the day we visited, children from day camps around the state were given a sneak preview. There was much excitement around a simulated wind tunnel that blasted tiny buildings and visitors, showing them how to secure a high-rise against the forces of nature.

There is a miniature backhoe at work, and glimpses of the spectacular views from tall buildings round the world.

We also learned how the footprint of the new building alters the immediate landscape and changes local weather patterns by blocking wind and sunlight. Future guests will get a chance to walk across an I-beam, strapped into a safety harness.

The exhibit fits neatly with Jersey City’s new skyline, dotted with construction cranes and brand new buildings. It also pays tribute to the World Trade Center, by exhibiting two steel beams rescued from the rubble.

One is twisted and bent by a direct hit from the airplane that smashed into it. The other remains nearly intact.

In the chaos of preview day, the kids mostly ignored these sobering sights for the “hands on” excitement of the other exhibits. The adults stopped and looked, reading the signs, remembering the day when the world changed forever.

In this place, directly across the Hudson from Ground Zero, it is fitting to showcase the strength, energy and imagination of bold new skyscrapers that keep filling up the skyline.