JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (March 23, 2026) — Today, the Museum of Science & History revealed the first glimpse of the visitor experience planned for its Northbank museum. The announcement marks a major milestone, offering the community a look into a museum designed to transform how people encounter science, history, innovation, and the natural world.

The newly released visualizations show the conceptual approach for three of ten planned galleries that altogether will span more than 50,000 square feet in permanent exhibit space. These galleries—The Nexus, Superhuman, and Nature & Culture—were developed in collaboration with Ralph Appelbaum Associates (RAA), one of the world’s most respected museum exhibition design firms. Each gallery will be built as experiential environments that represent how leading museums are engaging the public today, evolving from traditional, static galleries toward immersive spaces that inspire moments of wonder and discovery for visitors of all ages.

The Nexus is the proposed ‘town square’ of the new museum, a convergence of science, industry, nature and community. A welcoming point, gathering space and flexible venue, it will host events ranging from student workshops and science presentations to corporate product launches and social evenings.

Superhuman invites visitors of all ages to test the limits of human possibility through training, technology, and innovation. Activities and challenges demonstrate the science behind human and animal abilities, drawing on sports, biomimicry, and technology. The experience highlights the vital role of innovation in advancing health and well-being, inspiring guests to explore how breakthroughs in science along with healthy choices can enhance human performance and everyday life.

Nature & Culture invites visitors to step into the story of Jacksonville for a spectacular exploration of the place we call home. From the Big Bang to Big Data, the gallery highlights the impact of nature on human culture and vice versa. Through media, storytelling, and interactive exploration, the exhibit connects our planet, our innovations, and ourselves.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the future of Jacksonville,” said Jill Davis, board chair of the Museum. “We are building this museum from the ground up at the exact moment museums across the country are being transformed into dynamic experiences. The galleries and overall visitor experience envisioned by RAA represent a bold reimagining of what a museum can be: immersive environments where visitors explore ideas through storytelling, technology, and shared experience.”

“Our shared goal is to create experiences that allow visitors to explore the ideas and stories that shape Jacksonville and connect them to the wider world,” said Nick Appelbaum, President and CEO of RAA. “Great museums create moments of discovery that stay with people for a lifetime, and that is exactly what we are designing here.”

This unveiling demonstrates the continued momentum of the Museum’s ongoing capital campaign to build its new home on Jacksonville’s Northbank. The campaign has raised nearly $100 million to date, placing it among the largest cultural capital campaigns in Jacksonville’s history. The project continues to advance through design and pre-construction phases.