JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Museum of Science & History released updated exterior renderings Tuesday of its future Northbank home, marking completion of the 60% design schematics milestone and showing new architectural details as the project moves through preconstruction.
The plans call for a five-story facility totaling about 125,000 square feet. The museum will include 10 exhibits covering roughly 50,000 square feet, plus a café and space for community programming and events.
“We are creating more than a new museum. We are creating a landmark destination along Jacksonville’s riverfront that will help shape the future of downtown,” Lauren Baker, a Museum of Science & History board member and chair of the design committee, said. “The design reflects the ambition of this project while creating a welcoming place that brings people together and inspires curiosity for generations to come.”
Exterior rendering of MOSH after 60% design milestone. (Copyright 2026 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.)
The Museum has partnered with SmithGroup, an integrated design firm ranked among the top museum architecture and engineering companies in the U.S. by trade publication Building Design+Construction. SmithGroup’s portfolio includes the National Museum of African American History and Culture, The Franklin Institute, the Wisconsin History Center and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
“This is a tremendous opportunity to create something unique and memorable for downtown Jacksonville,” Monteil Crawley, lead designer and senior principal at SmithGroup, said. “The city has an emerging skyline with rich stories to tell. It’s an honor to be part of something that can become a destination for people, and we feel fortunate to help bring both the Museum and the city’s story to life in a new way.”
The team submitted the renderings to the Downtown Investment Authority for review. If approved, the project team plans to finish 100% of the construction documents later this year, providing the detailed specifications needed for development.
Design and engineering partners continue refining the building structure, exterior expression, interior environments, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, life-safety requirements and connections to the surrounding site.
Finalization of exhibits and other interior components will follow, with groundbreaking expected in early 2027.
Copyright 2026 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.