Local Projects will oversee the planning, design and fabrication of exhibits in MOSH’s new location in the Shipyards East area of the Northbank.
The company’s work also includes cultural and educational institutions like Planet Word, the world’s first voice-activated museum; Greenwood Rising, an interactive museum that tells the story of the 1921 Tulsa race massacre; and the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach.
The MOSH project “represents limitless opportunities to craft the region’s unique scientific and historical story into a dynamic, next-generation visitor experience,” Eric Mika, creative director of Local Projects, said in a news release. “We were most impressed by MOSH’s commitment to reflecting the stories and perspectives of the diverse population that it serves. We’re ready to get to work.”
MOSH plans about 22,500 square feet of permanent exhibition spaces after its $85 million move from Museum Circle on the Downtown Southbank.
The museum celebrated its 80th anniversary last year and has operated at 1025 Museum Circle since 1969. But it has outgrown the 77,000-square-foot quarters and plans to build a significantly larger building across the river by December 2027.
PHOTOS: See MOSH’s vision on the Northbank
The museum released renderings of its dramatic new building last month. MOSH said the design, created by DLR Group in partnership with kasper architects + associates and SCAPE, was inspired by the flow of water that has played such an important role in Jacksonville’s history.
Rising in terraces from the river up toward the city, a spiral circulation path links the lower level to a roof terrace above. The path connects three exhibition spaces that are central to MOSH’s mission: the Natural Ecosystem, the Cultural Ecosystem and the Innovation Ecosystem.
A sheltered rooftop event terrace overlooking the river offers a 360-degree view of Downtown Jacksonville, including TIAA Bank Field and the Southbank skyline.
Article by Randy Roguski originally published at WJCT News. Randy comes to Jacksonville from the South Florida Sun Sentinel, where, as metro editor, he led investigative coverage of the Parkland school shooting that won the 2019 Pulitzer Prize for public service and was recognized as a Pulitzer finalist for breaking news. He has spent more than 40 years in reporting and editing positions in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Ohio and Florida, including positions at the St. Louis Globe-Democrat, the Tampa Bay Times and the Plain Dealer in Cleveland, where he directed regional coverage and later business news. He is a graduate of Southern Illinois University, where he was editor of the daily student newspaper. You can reach Randy at rroguski@wjct.org or on Twitter, @rroguski.