In a major development for Jacksonville's cultural and educational landscape, the City Council has agreed to allocate $50 million over the next three years for the construction of a new Museum of Science and History (M.O.S.H.) on the Northbank riverfront. This funding is part of the city's 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Plan, with the council having approved the first $3 million as the fiscal year began on October 1, as reported by Jacksonville.com.
M.O.S.H's current location by Friendship Fountain has been its base since 1969, but plans to now shift to a new, larger site across from EverBank Stadium, coincide with ongoing stadium renovations. "M.O.S.H. is an essential leader in our city’s cultural landscape,” Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan stated, highlighting the importance of the project to attract more tourism and inspire future generations. The city has also committed to lease the riverside property to the museum for a symbolic $1 a year lease, as per ActionNewsJax.
Alongside the city's contribution, M.O.S.H. has been aggressive in securing funds for its dream of expansion, raising over $40 million from philanthropic, corporate, and private donors. The museum's requirement is to invest at least $85 million in capital toward the new construction, and a fundraising campaign continues under the helm of Jill Davis, chair of the M.O.S.H. Genesis campaign, and Maureen Mercho, Chief Development Officer.
“Formalizing this next phase of our partnership with the City of Jacksonville reinforces our shared commitment to seeing the new M.O.S.H. proceed with development,” M.O.S.H. CEO Dr. Al Dove expressed on ActionNewsJax, positioning the museum as a transformative element for the Downtown Shipyards area. The expected outcome of the move is to substantially increase its footprint from the current 33,000 square feet of exhibit space, to better accommodate the inflow of students and visitors. This enlargement plan seems to be emblematic of the community's aspirations for growth and connective educational experiences, according to recent remarks made by city officials to BizJournals.
Construction on the new riverside M.O.S.H. stands to begin in 2025 with the aim to complete and open the new facility by 2027. For further insights into the project, or to explore donation opportunities, interested parties are directed to the museum's project website at M.O.S.H.Genesis.com.
