Museum of Arts & Sciences Reveals New Name, New Brand, and Visionary Plans for Its Future Campus

On December 1, we experienced a defining moment in the life of our museum. Surrounded by donors, partners, elected officials, and longtime supporters, we revealed something extraordinary: our new name, our new brand, and the first look at the bold future ahead. 

For decades, the Museum of Arts & Sciences has been a cherished destination for learning and discovery. Now, as we evolve to meet the needs of a growing region and an ever-changing world, we proudly step into a new identity - one that honors transformational philanthropy, celebrates our mission, and reflects the magnitude of what is to come: The Cici & Hyatt Brown Museum of Art, Science & History also known simply as The Brown. 

Why This Moment Matters 

Across the globe, many world-class museums have evolved their names as they have evolved their impact. The Guggenheim. The Getty. The Pérez. Each transformed as visionary supporters reshaped what was possible. 

Now, our museum enters that same tradition. 

During our cinematic presentation on December 1st, attendees experienced the first look at the architectural concept renderings—an iconic new cultural landmark designed to elevate how art, science, and history come together for Central Florida. 

Philanthropist Cici Brown summed it up beautifully: 

“If I walked up to this new museum and saw it for the first time… wow, it’s breathtaking. I think people are going to be blown away when they see what this is going to be and how it’s going to fit into our community.” 

A Foundation of Extraordinary Philanthropy 

The transformation ahead is powered by unmatched generosity: 

• Cici and Hyatt Brown have already contributed $75 million. 

• The community is being asked to raise $25 million. 

• The Browns will match that community giving 3-to-1, unlocking another $75 million. 

  
  

Together, this represents $175 million in support of a museum built for the next generation—and the next after that. 

Board Chair Andy Watts shared: 

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for everybody in this community to rally behind The Brown and make this one of the most successful museums in the Southeast.” 

From Hidden Gem to Crown Jewel 

To prepare for construction, the museum (with the exception of special ticketed Planetarium events) will close to the public on March 29, 2026. The new building is anticipated to open in Fall 2028, marking a dramatic expansion of our mission and our impact. 

CEO Tabitha Schmidt reflected on this moment: 

“This is a transformation for the institution as a whole. It’s not just a physical change, it’s a philosophical change. It’s changing us in the community. It’s changing our reach and our impact.” 

This is more than a renovation. It is a full reimagining of what a modern museum can be for Central Florida. 

What Members Can Look Forward To: A First Look Inside the New Museum 

As plans for The Brown continue to evolve, here are the core experiences and features members can anticipate. Design Principal Joe Tattoni of ikon.5 architects described the vision behind this new cultural landmark: 

“We hope the new museum engages the visitor in a richer understanding of the treasures of Daytona Beach, Volusia County, and Florida. It is our hope that the community and the visitor will connect to the cultural history and sense of place by experiencing the collection narratives and by physically experiencing the building. For example…the sphere of the planetarium is a central iconic form that envelops the visitor experience and interactively engages the patron in the future. Both the architecture and the exhibition of the collection will fulfill the Museum’s mission to ignite curiosity and connections to art, science and history.”

This architectural philosophy sets the foundation for every space, experience, and moment that The Brown will offer: 

A Unified Cultural Campus 

For the first time, the Brown Museum of Art and the new structure will exist under one roof, connected by an expansive Visitor Nexus that places the guest experience at the heart of the journey.

The Visitor Nexus / Welcome Center 

A central gathering space featuring: 

• Streamlined ticketing 

• A redesigned museum store 

• A beautiful café 

• A warm, intuitive arrival experience 

A Stronger Sense of Place 

• Outdoor activation areas 

• A redesigned environmental education trail along Tuscawilla Preserve 

• Centralized parking for easier access

State-of-the-Art Collections Storage 

• Ensuring the care, preservation, and long-term stewardship of the museum’s extraordinary collections. 

Immersive, Technology-Forward Galleries 

Permanent galleries infused with: 

• Interactive storytelling 

• Interpretive experiences across art, science, and history 

A Multi-Sensory Performance Hall - This will be a first-of-its-kind experience for our region! 

A flexible, adaptive venue designed for: 

• Performances 

• Experimental programming 

• Community events 

• Special presentations  

Rotating Special Exhibition Gallery 

A larger, more versatile gallery for major traveling exhibitions—allowing us to bring world-class art, science, and history exhibitions to Central Florida. 

A New Planetarium Sphere 

At the center of the concept: A brand-new 60-foot dome, doubling our current seating capacity and creating breathtaking immersive shows anchored by a redesigned Science Gallery. 

A Completely Reimagined Children’s Experience 

Designed for infants through teens, this all-new space will offer: 

• Hands-on exhibits 

• Interactive experimentation 

• Play-based learning 

• Expanded classrooms for camps, workshops, and school programs 

This is just the beginning. Over the next several months, we will share deeper details, new renderings, and additional features as the design process continues. 

Framing the Future: What Members Can Expect During the Transition 

Even though the physical building will close during construction, your membership remains active, valuable, and meaningful. We are committed to keeping you connected, engaged, and inspired.

Through meaningful and strategic community partnerships, we are proud to offer the following: 

Museum in Motion 

Our mobile outreach van will continue traveling throughout our area, bringing hands-on learning experiences to schools, libraries, and community events. 

Lohman Field Study Program 

School partnerships remain strong, with standards-based curriculum delivered directly to classrooms, ensuring local students continue to benefit from our educational resources.

Summer Learning Institute 

Our beloved STEAM-focused summer camps continue each year, offering week-long hands-on experiences for children and teens.

Planetarium Programming 

The Lohman Planetarium will stay active with special ticketed events. 

Member-Only Programs & Events 

We will partner with cultural organizations, venues, and local businesses to bring you: 

• Behind-the-scenes experiences 

• Pop-up programs 

• Special gatherings across our area  

  
  

Framing the Future Newsletter 

Members will receive: 

• Construction updates 

• Behind-the-scenes stories 

• Sneak peeks at the new building 

• Exclusive milestones 

  
  

Think of it as your insider’s guide to everything happening behind the scenes. 

A Museum Built for the Future 

Community leaders spoke passionately about the cultural and economic impact this project will bring to Central Florida. 

Rodney Cruise, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, shared: 

“A world-class cultural destination like this museum is a game changer for our economy. It’s a game changer for our ability to recruit and retain talent.” 

Volusia County Council Member Matt Reinhart added: “With a project of this nature, it brings those tourism dollars year-round… I refer to it as a Field of Dreams philosophy: if you build it, they will come.”  

This is more than a building project. It is a long-term investment in education, cultural enrichment, and regional identity. 

Follow the Journey Into the Future 

We invite all members and supporters to stay connected and experience this transformation with us. The next few years will be filled with milestones, behind-the-scenes stories, and exciting first looks at what’s ahead. 

You can explore concept images, follow updates, and learn more about what’s coming at MOASFuture.org—where the future of The Brown continues to unfold.