MOSH announces plans for new museum at the Shipyards

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. —

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

This new plan would replace the current plans to renovate the existing museum at 1025 Museum Circle.

The preliminary construction and designs anticipates the museum to be open to guests in 2024.

An extensive community input process was involved in creating the museum’s visitor experience plan, which aligns with MOSH’s vision to create a vibrant network of attractions, parks and river access point 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,” said Fafard.

The construction could begin in 2021, pending approval from the City of Jacksonville Capital Improvement Plan.

The funds for the new museum will come 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.

MOSH wants to continue to build the momentum in downtown from the Northbank plans that has been growing during the Curry administration.

“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.

Cox Media Group