The Museum of Science & History (MOSH) has received approval from the Jacksonville City Council to locate the new museum at the Jacksonville Shipyards.
The ordinance, approved April 11, authorizes the disposition and development of 2.5 acres of city-owned land at the property commonly known as Lot X; a 40-year ground lease of the land for $1 per year; design of the park and the Riverwalk; and other agreements related to the creation of a new museum and surrounding park spaces.
MOSH has operated in its current 77,000-square-foot location on the Southbank of Downtown Jacksonville since 1969. The new museum will be approximately 100,000 square feet across three floors, with the option to build a future expansion of an additional 30,000 square feet — significantly expanding the organization’s capacity to serve more students and visitors.
“For more than 80 years, MOSH has welcomed curiosity and inspired the joy of lifelong learning. The new MOSH will continue that tradition on a larger scale, using modern design and technology to deliver an exceptional visitor experience,” said Bruce Fafard, CEO of MOSH. “We are proud to continue our partnership with the City of Jacksonville as we prepare for the museum’s exciting next chapter.”
The project will cost approximately $100 million, inclusive of design, site preparation, construction and exhibition fabrication. To date, more than $36 million has been raised, including $20 million from the City of Jacksonville’s Capital Improvement Plan and $16 million in private donations secured through the MOSH Genesis capital campaign.
A preliminary project analysis by ConsultEcon estimates that the new museum will increase annual attendance from 175,000 (2017-19 average) to 469,000, a 168% increase; triple tourism attendance; increase the museum’s operating budget to $8 million, nearly tripling its pre-pandemic budget; and create 78 new jobs, contributing $2.3 million in new salaries and wages to the local economy.
For more information or to support the MOSH Genesis capital campaign through a contribution, go to MOSHGenesis.com or email MOSHGenesis@themosh.org.
