Boardwalk and Garden Area Closure Beginning September 7

The Museum of Arts & Sciences is fortunate to be surrounded by natural beauty, from our campus of historic buildings and cultural treasures to the gardens and pathways that welcome our visitors. For many years, the boardwalk near our main entrance has been a favorite spot to pause and enjoy the view. This space has been lovingly maintained by The Garden Club of the Halifax Country, whose members bring their skill and dedication to the garden beds, creating a warm and inviting welcome for all who visit. 

As we look ahead to the Museum’s future growth, we also must be mindful of the condition of our existing spaces. After careful evaluation, we have made the decision to close the boardwalk and garden area to the public beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 7, 2025. 

Why the Closure Is Necessary 

The boardwalk remains safe for individual use, but the wooden boards have weathered significantly over time. In their current condition, they are not able to sustain the level of daily traffic they once did. To protect both the safety of our visitors and the longevity of the structure, we must limit use moving forward. A gate will be installed to close the area to general access. 

Because of the upcoming building project that will transform the Museum campus in the coming years, we will not be replacing the boardwalk at this time. The decision allows us to focus resources on preparing for this major investment in MOAS’s future, while also ensuring that no short-term fixes take away from the long-term vision. 

Continued Care of the Garden 

Although the boardwalk will be closed to visitors, the garden itself will not be forgotten. Members of The Garden Club of the Halifax Country will continue to have access to maintain and refresh the plantings. Their dedication is extraordinary, and we are grateful for their willingness to keep this corner of the Museum thriving even as it is no longer open for general foot traffic. 

The Garden Club is planning a major replanting this fall to bring fresh seasonal beauty to the space. While visitors won’t be able to stroll through the area, the garden will remain an important and visible part of the Museum’s landscape. 

Looking Ahead 

We know that change can be bittersweet. Many of our members, guests, and staff have fond memories of the boardwalk and garden area, and it has been a meaningful part of the Museum experience for years. At the same time, this closure is a reminder of what lies ahead: a once-in-a-generation building project that will transform the Museum of Arts & Sciences into a new cultural hub for our community. 

If you’re wondering what areas of the Museum remain open and accessible during this transition, we encourage you to read our recent post, What is Still Open at MOAS for details on the galleries, exhibits, and programs you can continue to enjoy. 

The future of MOAS includes more than preserving history—it means investing in spaces that will serve generations to come. As we prepare for this exciting chapter, we remain grateful for the support of our community and for our partners, like the Halifax Country Garden Club, who help make MOAS a place of beauty, discovery, and inspiration.