MOSI set to launch visioning phase for new Downtown science center

Tampa, Florida (May 18, 2017) — The Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) announced today that it will begin the next steps in its transition to a Downtown Tampa location after August 13, 2017.

MOSI is working with its key stakeholders — the public, the MOSI Board of Directors, Hillsborough County, and the Vinik Family Foundation — to:

1. Carry out a community-wide effort to craft a vision for the new Downtown MOSI facility, with input from people across Tampa Bay and subject-matter experts from around the world. This effort will be led by a Transition Task Force composed of representatives from MOSI’s Board, County staff, and the Vinik Family Foundation.

2. Reconfigure MOSI in its current location into a reimagined, financially sustainable science center that will continue to deliver the high-quality science learning our community expects from MOSI. This will serve as a proof-of-concept testing ground for fresh ideas that may be implemented in the new Downtown facility.

“This is the next step toward transitioning to a new world-class MOSI in Downtown Tampa,” said incoming MOSI Board Chair Robert Thomas, CEO of 2 Rivers Ranch. “We’re going to be asking for everyone’s ideas — we want them to dream and envision how their new science center will help Tampa Bay get ready for the challenges of the future.”

MOSI’s Summer Science Camps and other signature education programs will continue without interruption through this summer and beyond. MOSI’s major summer experience Cardboard Space Adventures will run from May 27 through August 13, 2017.

After August 13, during what is typically its “slow season,” MOSI will reconfigure its operations into a reimagined space on its Fowler Avenue campus. MOSI will re-launch in late fall with a lower ticket price, and guests will continue to see many of their favorite MOSI experiences — including The Saunders Planetarium, Mission: Moonbase, and more than one hundred hands-on science exhibits.

“Our community needs a great science learning resource like MOSI. Reconfiguring it this fall will keep MOSI’s important education work going, while making MOSI financially stable in preparation for its move to Downtown Tampa in about five years,” Thomas said.

WHAT: This fall, MOSI is set to begin the next phase in its transition to a downtown Tampa location, with a targeted opening of 2022. This involves a community effort to create a vision for a new science center facility as well as reconfiguring the existing MOSI.

WHEN: After August 13, 2017, will reconfigure into a reimagined space on its current campus and relaunch this fall with a lower ticket price.

WHERE: The reconfigured MOSI will operate in what is now Kids in Charge and the attached Welcome Center building, along with the playground and Sky Trail ropes course and zip line.

WHY: These changes make MOSI financially sustainable for the future by dramatically lowering its maintenance, utilities and operations costs. Plus, MOSI will serve as a proof-of-concept testing ground for ideas that may be used in the new Downtown Science Center.

FOR MEMBERS: Your MOSI membership will continue with additional time added for the period MOSI is closed for reconfiguration. You'll also get new benefits, including guest passes to give to friends.

What will continue: What will not continue:

MOSI science education mission Massive operations costs

More than 100 hands-on exhibits Many of MOSIs oldest and least popular experiences

Idea Zone makerspace with 3D Current ticket price; new price not

printing, robotics, design and more yet, but will be lower

New exhibit focusing on the future IMAX DOME films

technologies in Florida

The Saunders planetarium Some outside components including

the butterfly garden

Mission: Moonbase lunar simulation Cafe and gift shop

based on NASA plans