The Museum of Science & History (MOSH) in Jacksonville, Florida has set a closing date for its current location as it focuses on creating a new museum.
MOSH will close to the public by 1 September to allow the organisation to “fully engage in shaping the vision for the new museum”, it said in a press release.
Although MOSH will close this year, groundbreaking for the new museum isn’t scheduled until 2026, with completion expected in 2028.
The new MOSH is part of a wider transformation of the Northbank shipyards in Jacksonville, which will become a new culture and entertainment hub.
MOSH has been in its current 77,000-square-foot location on the Southbank in Jacksonville since 1969, but it has since outgrown the space.
“After decades of serving the community from our current location, MOSH is embarking on a bold new chapter to create a museum that will act as both cultural institution and social destination for Northeast Florida,” said Alistair Dove, CEO of MOSH.
New MOSH to triple annual attendance
“As one of the largest museum development projects in America today, the new museum will become a defining regional landmark that fuels civic pride and inspires lifelong learning.
“Through its programs and exhibitions, the new museum will celebrate the rich history and cultural identity of the First Coast, while inspiring future generations to realize the extraordinary potential of this incredibly special region.”
The new MOSH will nearly triple annual attendance, offering more than 7 acres of immersive experiences both indoors and outdoors.
Within the museum, guests will enjoy 105,000 square feet of exhibition space, interactive discovery labs, and innovative programmes connecting science, history and the local environment.
To date, MOSH has raised more than $95 million in public and private donations for the project.
During its closure, MOSH will remain active in Jacksonville through pop-up experiences, partnerships and educational events.
Images courtesy of MOSH
