A bold new era for Jacksonville’s cultural landscape begins, as plans advance for a new Museum at the Northbank

May 2, 2025 — Jacksonville, Fla. — As Jacksonville experiences a period of dynamic growth, the Museum of Science & History (MOSH) continues to focus its efforts on developing a new state-of-the-art facility that reflects the city’s energy and ambition. The current Museum location will close to the public by September 1, 2025, so that the MOSH organization can fully engage in shaping the vision for the new Museum. 

Groundbreaking for the new Museum is scheduled for 2026, with completion anticipated in 2028. Once open, the new Museum will anchor the Northbank as a premier cultural destination and play a vital role in elevating Jacksonville’s presence on the global stage.

MOSH is part of a bigger transformation taking place across the Northbank shipyards. A new culture and entertainment hub will emerge with projects like the Stadium of the Future, the Four Seasons development and the Emerald Trail expansion reshaping the riverfront. The new Museum will serve as the Northbank’s cultural heartbeat — acting as a community space, educational resource and economic catalyst for Jacksonville’s revitalizing Downtown.

“After decades of serving the community from our current location, MOSH is embarking on a bold new chapter to create a museum that will act as both cultural institution and social destination for Northeast Florida,” said Dr. Alistair Dove, CEO of MOSH. “As one of the largest museum development projects in America today, the new Museum will become a defining regional landmark that fuels civic pride and inspires lifelong learning. Through its programs and exhibitions, the new Museum will celebrate the rich history and cultural identity of the First Coast, while inspiring future generations to realize the extraordinary potential of this incredibly special region.”

Since its founding in 1941, MOSH has served Jacksonville by moving and adapting to the city’s needs. Today, thanks to more than $95 million raised in public and private support and unanimous backing from the Mayor and City Council, MOSH is well on its way to realizing the next chapter. The new Museum will nearly triple annual visitation and create more than seven acres of immersive, indoor-outdoor learning experiences. Designed to blend museum, park and waterfront, this integrated experience will feature 105,000 square feet of exhibition space, interactive discovery labs and innovative programs connecting science, history and the local environment. By delivering cultural resources and public amenities, this landmark location will drive economic growth and enrich community life across Northeast Florida.

MOSH has always been more than a building — playing a vital role in sparking curiosity, supporting learning and connecting communities across Jacksonville. As MOSH prepares for a transformative leap forward, the organization is deeply grateful to its members, partners and supporters who have brought the project to this moment and continue to power its future. While the current location will close by September 1, 2025, MOSH will remain active in the community through pop-up experiences, partnerships and educational events across Jacksonville. 

For more information, visit themosh.org.

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About The Museum of Science & History (MOSH)

The Museum of Science & History (MOSH) is located at 1025 Museum Circle near Friendship Park. MOSH, first chartered in 1941, inspires the joy of lifelong learning by bringing to life the sciences and regional history. Learn more at themosh.org.

Museum funding is made possible by the generosity of our donors and corporate partners, as well as support from the City of Jacksonville and the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, Inc.; State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture; and the National Endowment for the Arts; Historic Museums Grants-in-Aid Program assistance provided by the Bureau of Historical Museums, Division of Historical Resources, Florida Department of State, Secretary of State.