Transformation in Progress: What You Can Still Experience

At the Museum of Arts & Sciences, change is in the air and it’s bringing excitement, transformation, and bold new beginnings.

As we prepare to embark on a once-in-a-generation expansion and campus transformation, you’ll begin to notice a few shifts around the museum. These changes are not only necessary, they’re part of the promise we’ve made to elevate the visitor experience and reimagine MOAS for generations to come. While that means some spaces may temporarily close or be reconfigured, rest assured: the spirit of discovery, wonder, and hands-on exploration you’ve come to expect is alive and well.

A Dynamic New Chapter

You may have already heard that the Charles and Linda Williams Children’s Museum officially closed on August 8, 2025. This beloved space served our community for many incredible years, and while we won’t reopen the Children’s Museum in its current form, we’re thrilled to repurpose the space with an exciting new traveling exhibit: Expedition: Dinosaur, opening this October.

This immersive experience will feature animatronic dinosaurs, interactive stations, and family-friendly fun that encourages kids (and kids at heart) to touch, explore, and learn. From fossil digs to hands-on challenges, this exhibit is designed to spark curiosity and inspire a new generation of dino-loving explorers.

A Shift in Our Galleries

As part of our ongoing preparations for the larger campus renovation, the Bouchelle Gallery has officially closed. The artwork and objects formerly housed there are being carefully preserved and many will have a new place in future exhibition plans. As our campus transforms, you will also see a change in the way we present and celebrate the art and stories that shape our world.

So Much Still to Explore

Even as we shift, update, and evolve, there is still so much to experience at MOAS right now:

The Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art remains open and continues to awe with its stunning collection of Florida-themed artwork, showcasing the natural beauty and rich history of the Sunshine State.

The Root Family Museum offers a rich dive into American culture and innovation. Visitors can explore an extensively documented and historically significant Coca-Cola collection, chronicling the evolution of bottling, advertising, and design tied to one of the world’s most iconic brands. The space also features two fully restored train cars, a charming replica of an early pharmacy, and a small collection of Indy Series race cars.

The Dow Gallery of American Art highlights the Museum’s impressive “Arts in America: 1700–1900” collection. This 4,000-square-foot gallery showcases early American paintings, decorative arts, antique furniture, silverware, and glass, interpreted chronologically from the Pilgrim Century through the American Victorian Period. With original works from the Kenneth and Mary Dow Collection—including Hudson River School landscapes, seascapes, and folk portraits—the gallery offers an elegant look into American history and culture through art.

The Sloth is still here! One of our most beloved (and laid-back) residents continues to greet guests with his signature chill charm.

Our Tide Pool exhibit, located near the Administration entrance, remains a guest favorite for its glimpse into an underwater realm that is full of color and life. See what’s happening 9 miles off the port of Miami from our gallery here in Daytona!

Outside the Planetarium, you’ll find our interactive Sound Garden, where kids can create rhythms and melodies while learning about sound and motion in a playful, outdoor environment.

And of course, our Planetarium continues to dazzle with daily shows, laser shows, and special celestial events that transport you across the galaxy—all without ever leaving your seat.

Special Exhibitions

There’s always something new to discover at MOAS, with rotating exhibitions designed to spark curiosity and creativity. Current and upcoming highlights include:

Shoosty Bugs: An Art Infestation

This playful, colorful exhibition turns the gallery into a vibrant bug invasion—through art. Featuring imaginative insect-inspired works by artist Shoosty, it's a fun, family-friendly experience that invites you to see the world of bugs in an entirely new way.

BUGS Outside the Box

Get up close to the wonders of the insect world through scientifically accurate, larger-than-life models. This traveling exhibition blends biology and design, showcasing the beauty and complexity of insects on a scale you've never seen before.

Expedition: Dinosaur

Opening October 11, 2025 – March 29, 2026, this blockbuster exhibition features animatronic dinosaurs, interactive learning stations, and fossil digs. It’s an adventure for all ages, filled with prehistoric excitement and hands-on exploration.

What to Expect in the Coming Months

During this exciting period of growth, some exhibits or objects may shift, and certain galleries may close for renovation. Please follow signage during your visit, and don’t hesitate to ask our team for help navigating your way through the museum.

We know change can be bittersweet, but at MOAS, it’s also an opportunity—to create something bigger, better, and more inspiring than ever before. We’re building a future where art, science, and history collide in extraordinary ways, and we want you to be part of it.

Stay in the Know

We’ll continue to share updates, stories, sneak peeks, and progress photos right here on MOASFuture.org. Be sure to check back often, subscribe to our email list, and follow us on social media so you don’t miss a beat.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Your support fuels our mission—and your enthusiasm keeps us inspired as we transform MOAS into the museum of the future.