PRESS RELEASE - Oct. 29, 2026
Museum of Science & History Capital Campaign Surpasses $100 Million
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Oct. 29, 2026) – The Museum of Science & History today announced that its capital campaign has surpassed $100 million. With this milestone, the project, now the largest cultural capital campaign in Jacksonville’s history, continues its momentum toward the Museum’s $150 million goal for its future location on downtown Jacksonville’s Northbank.
“Achieving this milestone is a powerful reflection of the confidence our community has placed in the Museum's future,” said Jill Davis, Board Chair and Capital Campaign Co-Chair for the Museum of Science & History. “From business leaders and philanthropic partners to families who have supported this vision, the generosity behind this campaign has been extraordinary. Reaching $100 million demonstrates what Jacksonville can accomplish when we come together around a shared vision, and we look forward to building on this momentum.”
The Museum’s capital campaign has drawn support from individuals, families, corporations, foundations and public partners across the region and state. The campaign has received support from the Terry Family Foundation, Lauren and Ted Baker, Lastinger Family Foundation, Lindsey and Ryan Riggs, Neviaser Foundation, Lindley and Rad Lovett, Nancy and Gary Chartrand, Anne and John Baker, Ann and Ted Baker Family Foundation, Miller Electric Company, the GATE Foundation, The Cooper Family Foundation and The Thomas M. & Irene B. Kirbo Charitable Foundation.
They join previously announced supporters and public partners including VyStar Credit Union, the Khan family, the Harden Family Foundation, CSX, Florida Blue, the Davis family, the State of Florida Division of Arts & Culture, The Players Championship, The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. and the City of Jacksonville.
“Reaching $100 million is an extraordinary moment for the Museum and for Jacksonville,” said Lysa M. Barbano, Executive Director of the Museum of Science & History. “This milestone represents more than a fundraising achievement. It reflects a shared belief in creating a place where curiosity thrives, families connect, and generations of visitors discover something new. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has helped bring this vision closer to reality.”
The fundraising milestone comes as the Museum makes significant progress on the development of its future home. In September 2026, the Museum unveiled updated exterior renderings following completion of the 60% design schematics milestone. The project continues to advance through design and development, with groundbreaking anticipated in early 2027.
The future Museum is projected to span approximately 125,000 square feet across five stories and will include 10 planned galleries with approximately 50,000 square feet of exhibition space, along with a café, community programming and event spaces. Planned galleries will feature immersive storytelling, technology and interactive experiences that bring the Museum’s science, history and cultural programming to life.
Together with the surrounding park, the project will create more than seven acres of indoor and outdoor experiences along Jacksonville’s riverfront.
“This milestone would not be possible without the generosity of the individuals, families, foundations, and corporate partners who have invested in the Museum and our transformation into a world-class destination,” said Maureen Mercho, Chief Development Officer for the Museum of Science & History. “Every commitment has played a meaningful role in bringing us to this important moment in our campaign. We are deeply grateful for the trust our community has placed in this project and look forward to continuing this journey together.”