Updated design reflects vision for an iconic destination on the Northbank
May 2, 2022 — JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Museum of Science & History (MOSH) today released exterior renderings for its new Museum on the Northbank, created by DLR Group in partnership with kasper architects + associates and SCAPE.
Seeking to expand its capacity to serve more students and visitors, MOSH’s new museum will relocate to the Jacksonville Shipyards on the Northbank of the St. Johns River. Designed by award-winning global design firm DLR Group, the building concept is inspired by the movement and flow of the water that has played such an important role in the history of Jacksonville. Rising in terraces from the river up toward the city, a spiral circulation path links the lower level to a roof terrace above. The circulation path fluidly connects three themed exhibition spaces that are central to the MOSH mission: the Natural Ecosystem, the Cultural Ecosystem and the Innovation Ecosystem. A sheltered rooftop event terrace overlooking the river offers a 360-degree view of Downtown Jacksonville, including TIAA Bank Field and the Southbank skyline.
“Our architecture team has spent more than eight months evaluating the Shipyards property, data from nearly a decade of community input sessions and direction from the MOSH Genesis site committee. Their design is immediately recognizable, and surpasses what we had imagined for the iconic Museum that our community deserves,” said Bruce Fafard, CEO of MOSH.
“This transformational reimagining of the museum reinforces MOSH’s role as a vital civic institution and a destination for accessible, immersive and technologically advanced experiences, while honoring its historic commitment to education,” said Vanessa Kassabian, AIA, LEED AP, principal and senior design leader, DLR Group. “We are thrilled to partner with MOSH, kasper and SCAPE to help bring this project to the community.”
The release comes on the heels of MOSH’s inaugural GALAXY fundraiser, presented by Warren Equity Partners and Dream Finders Homes. The sold-out event drew 500+ Museum supporters to the black-tie gala on Saturday, April 30, which generated more than $500,000 for the MOSH Genesis capital campaign.
Katie Borghese and Kate Weidlich served as the GALAXY co-chairs. Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed live entertainment by DJ Jacob Towe, interactive experiences throughout the Museum, aerialist performances, a drumline on the dancefloor, out-of-this-world culinary creations from The Chef’s Garden, handcrafted cosmic cocktails by Oliv’r Twist and a preview of the exterior site plan for the new Museum.
For more information about the Museum’s future plans, visit MOSHGenesis.com. To learn about donation opportunities, contact MOSHGenesis@themosh.org.
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 $17.95 for adults; $13.95 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 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.