From humble beginnings, the Museum of Science & History (MOSH) has grown into the only institution of its kind in Northeast Florida. MOSH exhibits and programs exploring climate change, tolerance, water conservation, and environmental sustainability illustrate why this combined science and history center is an integral part of the Jacksonville area’s social, cultural, and economic capital.

In 2015-16, MOSH served nearly a quarter of a million students and visitors. However, with growth and success come challenges. Demand for more dynamic and creative access to online and technological platforms for interactive, experiential learning has never been stronger. To remain responsive, today’s Museum of Science & History has set forth a compelling vision for its future — one that is informed by research, investigation, community engagement, interaction, investment, and energetic commitment to a bold plan.

THE PLAN

Simply stated, the size and configuration of our current, decades-old campus critically limits the Museum’s ability to achieve its mission and serve a growing community of lifelong learners. Growing demand for service places considerable strain on our decades-old building. An expansion and reconfiguration of the campus will allow us to attract the kinds of exhibits that engage members and visitors of all ages.

OUR GOALS

MOSH will transform the museum experience for current and future audiences by:

significantly expanding MOSH’s campus, re-orienting the entryway to the river side of the property, and enhancing MOSH’s range and capacities for exhibits, installations, programming, educational alignment, and research and training opportunities.

EXPANSION AND REORIENTATION

The Museum will completely restructure and renovate its existing 77,000-square-foot building. This initiative will allow MOSH to present current, forward-thinking, relevant, and impactful exhibits while giving our visitors a range of new experiences that will be housed in environmental, cultural, and maker galleries.

Additionally, the Museum plans to incorporate new construction to accommodate a reorientation toward the river, thus allowing MOSH experiences, programs, exhibits, and new spaces to connect the building to the environment in a seamless flow from indoors to out.

PROJECT BUDGETS

The total anticipated cost of the renovation and expansion project is $80 million. MOSH leaders will seek a combination of public and private revenue streams, with the goal of raising $20 million in community support from individuals, businesses and corporations, foundations and other community stakeholders. To support that goal, the Museum launched a capital campaign called MOSH 2.0: Expanding the Capacity to Inspire Innovation in January. The plans will fundamentally sustain the organization and firmly establish MOSH as a civic and cultural flagship.

For more information: https://themosh.org/mosh2-0/