Comprehensive plan, developed in partnership with Local Projects, reflects input from subject matter experts across Northeast Florida 

Dec. 21, 2022 — JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Museum of Science & History (MOSH) today announced the completion of the conceptual exhibit design plan for its new Museum on the Northbank of Downtown Jacksonville. Local Projects, a multi-disciplinary design studio with two decades of experience in culture, educational and corporate experience design, led the six-month conceptual design process in collaboration with MOSH’s leadership, architect team (DLR Group, kasper architects + associates, and SCAPE), community partners and multiple subject matter experts. 

The exhibit design plan presents one of Northeast Florida’s most powerful natural assets — the St. Johns River — as the core spatial feature and navigation guide for visitors as they move through the Museum. The new MOSH experience begins with passage through a dramatic “river drop”: a two-story water feature representing the full 27-foot drop of the river from its source to the sea. Guests will then chart their own journey along pathways that mimic the river’s role in connecting the region. Along the way, themed collections and content “islands” will celebrate Northeast Florida’s nature, innovation and culture.  

Each island will feature a permanent gallery, an interactive anchor exhibit and four supporting exhibits. The approved anchor exhibits within the new Museum will be: 

• The River Lab, an interactive space where augmented reality and analog observational tools invite guests to explore the science behind the St. Johns and contribute to a live data visualization wall that logs their collective discoveries
• The Mission-Based Maker Space, a “choose your own adventure” area where guests can tackle four engineering challenges using bespoke tools to engage in iterative problem-solving processes 

• Story Map, a room-scale glass map of the Jacksonville area presenting interactive layers of content including art, films and other cultural artifacts 

Local Projects used a combination of primary and secondary research to develop the exhibit design plan. Their team evaluated data from previous reports and studies related to the MOSH master plan, and incorporated recent research findings on inclusive approaches to STEAM education. Additionally, their team conducted individual and group input sessions with education leaders, business executives and cultural partners to ensure the exhibits reflect a broad cross-section of topics and perspectives. Subject matter experts consulted throughout this process included: 

• Nature Island: Kay Ehas, Groundwork Jacksonville; Ryan Hixon, MOSH Trustee; Nick Primrose, JAXPORT; Dr. Quint White, Jacksonville University and OCEARCH; and Lisa Rinaman, St. Johns Riverkeeper and MOSH Trustee
• Innovation Island: Kelly Dyer, SourceFuse Technologies; Britt Morgan-Saks, MOSH Trustee; Khwaja Shaik, MOSH Trustee and IBM Thought Leader; and Dr. Brian Zoellner, NEFSTEM and University of North Florida 

• Culture Island: Dr. Alan Bliss, Jacksonville Historical Society; Dr. David Jamison, Edward Waters University; Tim Johnson, MOSH Trustee; Agnes Lopez, MOSH Programming Partner; Kailea Myrick, Ritz Theatre & Museum; ReGina Newkirk Rucci, 904WARD; Shawna Newman, MOSH Programming Partner; Brian Wolfburg, MOSH Trustee; Larry Yazzi, MOSH Programming Partner 

 “Crafting the exhibit design plan for MOSH has been an incredibly collaborative and creative process. We believe the approach will spark curiosity about nature, culture and innovation for visitors of all ages in a way that honors and reflects the local context,” said Eric Mika, Creative Director of Local Projects. “We look forward to working with MOSH and the Northeast Florida community to turn these concepts into reality in the coming years to build an awe-inspiring experience at the new location.” 

“Throughout this process, we had the opportunity to hear from leaders at the forefront of the region’s growth — as well as communities whose stories are long overdue for a broader audience,” said Amanda White, Director of Content at Local Projects.  

MOSH has operated in its current location on the Southbank of Downtown Jacksonville since 1969. The Museum’s operations have outgrown the 77,000-square-foot facility; building a new Museum will significantly expand the organization’s capacity to serve more students and visitors. Early projections estimate that by building a new facility at the Jacksonville Shipyards, MOSH will be able to serve 469,000 visitors (a 168% increase over pre-pandemic numbers) each year.  

Museum leaders received site plan approval from the Downtown Investment Authority’s board of directors on December 21, 2022. Plans are expected to undergo a full review by the City Council in early 2023. 

“The primary goal of MOSH Genesis is to create an experience unlike anything else in Jacksonville, which defies expectations and is a source of pride for all members of our community. That directive is evident throughout the site plan that the DIA approved today, as well as in the exhibit design plan that Local Projects developed with our staff, Board of Trustees and partners across Northeast Florida,” said Bruce Fafard, CEO of MOSH. “This plan makes imaginative and deliberate use of every square foot within our new building’s design. I am even more energized to enter this next phase of the public review and approval process, knowing that the visitor experience has been so thoughtfully articulated.”  

### 

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. Admission is $17.95 for adults; $14.95 for youth, students, active and retired military and seniors. There is no admission fee for children 2 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.; 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. 

About Local Projects:
Local Projects is a multi-disciplinary design studio with two decades of experience in culture, educational, and corporate experience design, and has won every major award including the Cannes Gold Lion, Fast Company’s Design Studio of the Year and Best Design in North America Awards, the National Design Award, and the Overall Excellence in Exhibitions from the American Alliance of Museums.