The Museum of Science and History was busy Sunday as folks came by for one last look through all of the exhibits.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The end of an era on Jacksonville’s Southbank as The Museum of Science and History closed Sunday as it prepares to move to a new building across the river.
It’s been a fixture for more than 55 years, so some folks were a little glossy-eyed as they took one last stroll through the exhibits.
“I’ve grown up with the MOSH,” said Bill Knight as he walked out of MOSH.
Looking up at a Pink Floyd laser light show felt like a fitting final memory of MOSH’s Southbank location for Bill Knight.
After all, he was there when they first started doing laser light shows back in the 70s.
“That year, my parents had to drop me off,” said Knight. “Next year I was able to drive. It was fabulous. We had so many friends and this was one of the places to go.”
It won’t be the place to go anymore – as the doors locked for one last time behind Knight as he walked out.
A bittersweet moment for CEO Dr. Alistair Dove.
“People coming in and sharing their memories they built with their family here,” said Dove. “A lot of people did sleepovers with the whale in the Atlantic tales gallery. If you know you know. Lots of people shared those memories with us, and every time they do, that’s just a great experience.”
There will be plenty of opportunities for new memories across the river – as MOSH plans to build a new building in the Sports Complex and open it by 2028.
“I’m just happy that they’re not closing it permanently,” said Juan Abril, who visited MOSH during his trip from Tallahassee. “There’s hope on the horizon for three years.”
Saying goodbye is still a tough thing to do.
“I want to have more fun,” said Abril’s young daughter.
MOSH will take the show on the road for the next few years during construction on the new building.
That starts with an event at 11 o’clock Saturday, Sept. 6, at James Weldon Johnson in downtown.