Museum of Science and History reaches $100M milestone

Museum of Science and History Reaches Funding Milestone for Jacksonville Waterfront Project

The Museum of Science & History has secured over $100 million in donations for its upcoming riverfront facility on Jacksonville’s Northbank, according to Jacksonville Daily Record. Museum officials intend to break ground in early 2027 while actively seeking the remaining $50 million required to complete the project.

The $100 million milestone marks the largest cultural capital campaign in Jacksonville history. Jill Davis, the museum’s board chairperson and campaign co-chair, stated in a news release that the figure reflects strong community confidence in the institution’s future.

Demolition of the Southbank Building and the Move to the Shipyards

The funding drive supports a relocation from the museum’s longtime Southbank home to a larger plot along the St. Johns River. The original facility at 1025 Museum Circle opened in 1969. Officials initially planned to expand the 77,000-square-foot building before encountering construction challenges at the site. The Southbank property closed just over a year ago and has since been demolished.

In 2022, the Downtown Investment Authority voted unanimously to approve a city lease for a 2.5-acre parcel of the Shipyards along East Bay Street. The new location sits just east of the Jacksonville Fire Museum and Pier 1, which houses the USS Orleck naval ship museum. Architectural and engineering firm SmithGroup designed an angular, five-story structure spanning approximately 125,000 square feet.

Design Plans and Construction Timeline for the Northbank Facility

The building design incorporates roughly 50,000 square feet of exhibition space. Plans feature 10 galleries equipped with immersive technology and interactive displays, alongside a cafe and dedicated community programming spaces. A public park and riverwalk are also planned for the site at East Bay Street and A. Philip Randolph Boulevard.

The museum submitted design schematics to the Downtown Investment Authority approximately two months ago. Project teams anticipate finishing 100% of the construction documents later this year. Museum leadership confirmed that the current $100 million total is sufficient to advance development and is not bound to a strict construction deadline.

Fundraising Strategy for the Remaining Capital

Officials stated they have a plan to raise the remaining funds through private, corporate and community support.

Frequently Asked Questions About the New Museum Project

When is the groundbreaking scheduled for the new Northbank location?

Groundbreaking for the new facility on the Northbank is expected to take place in early 2027.

How large will the new museum building be compared to the previous site?

The new angular facility will cover approximately 125,000 square feet across five stories, featuring about 50,000 square feet of exhibition space. The former Southbank building measured 77,000 square feet.

What will happen to the former museum site on Museum Circle?

The original building at 1025 Museum Circle closed a little over a year ago and has already been demolished.