New facility would replace current plans to renovate and expand the Museum’s existing structure

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Oct. 15, 2020 — The Museum of Science & History (MOSH) today announced its intent to build a new museum at the Shipyards property on the Northbank of Downtown Jacksonville.

The Museum of Science & History (MOSH) today announced its intent to build a new museum at the Shipyards property on the Northbank of Downtown Jacksonville.

This new facility would replace current plans to renovate and expand the Museum’s existing structure at 1025 Museum Circle. Preliminary design and construction projections indicate the new museum could be ready to welcome its first members and guests in 2024. This new facility will allow the Museum to provide continuous operation at its current site throughout the construction process.

The Museum’s Board of Trustees engaged a cross-functional team of project partners and stakeholders, including engineers, architects and commercial real estate analysts, to evaluate the site. This process revealed new opportunities to implement the Museum’s visitor experience plan, which was shaped by an extensive community input process, and align MOSH’s vision with efforts to create a vibrant network of civic attractions, parks and river access points on the Northbank.

“As a mission-driven organization, our primary goal is to ensure our future plans align with MOSH’s value to this community — both today and in the future,” said Bruce Fafard, CEO of MOSH. “The presentation of a new site option at the Shipyards property provides an exciting opportunity to reconsider how we will serve Northeast Florida’s citizens and visitors in the years ahead.”

Museum leaders anticipate pre-construction activity could begin in 2021, pending completion of initial due diligence work approved in the FY 2020/2021 City of Jacksonville Capital Improvement Plan. Construction costs for the new museum will be paid with funds from the MOSH 2.0 capital campaign.

“The next iteration of MOSH will serve as a transformative center for science, innovation and humanities in Downtown. We welcome the support of businesses, philanthropists and foundations that share our passion for activating the riverfront, inspiring innovation, supporting critical workforce development and driving tourism to Downtown Jacksonville,” said Jill Davis, Chair of the MOSH 2.0 campaign cabinet.

The Northbank plans build on the strong momentum in Downtown over the past few years and align with the goals of the Curry administration. This development will join other exciting potential projects along the Downtown riverfront, including the Ford on Bay, new FIS headquarters and the recently announced Lot J agreement.

“For nearly 80 years, MOSH has inspired Jacksonville citizens of all ages to embrace the joy of lifelong learning. We applaud the Museum’s leaders for their commitment to Downtown and their bold, innovative vision for the future that will inspire generations and strengthen our reputation as a premier destination in the Southeastern United States,” said Lenny Curry, Mayor of the City of Jacksonville.

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About 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. Admission is $15 for adults; $12 for youth, students, active and retired military and seniors. There is no admission fee for children two and under or Museum members. Learn more at themosh.org.

Museum funding is provided in part by the City of Jacksonville and the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, Inc.; the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Arts Council, 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.