Museum of Science & History

I didn’t have a bad experience, but not a great one either. Many of the exhibits were either outdated, or out-​of-​order during my visit. Other interesting exhibits are, unfortunately, time sensitive and were closed, such as the planetarium and aquatic petting zoo. I will give credit to the severe storm exhibit and the historic Jacksonville exhibit, which appears time and consideration went into the curation of both. Although, I’m not sure they would hold the attention of small children. Overall I’d say this is an interesting, and when everything is in working order, fun place. However, it will be awhile before I return.

Fun, perfect for the very curious little humans that live in your home that like to touch everything. Alot of the exhibits are interactive with lots of opportunities for their brains to wrinkle.

Great time! 2^nd time going, the kids enjoy it great way to spend 2 – 3 hours.
My favorite part is the history of Florida section, the kids don’t enjoy it as much as I do.

I remember taking field trips to MOSH as a kid and being able to take my nieces and nephews here as well is so sentimental. They have done an amazing job at keeping this place running. The exhibits are so neat and the kids always are asking to come back. I love that learning can be fun for all ages and that MOSH can be enjoyed by the entire family.

You would think for the size of Jax, their museum of S & H would be on or close to the same level as COSI in Columbus, Oh… more like COSI’s red headed step brother. They hit you up upon entry for two of their afternoon shows, get ½ off with entry price, we luckily didn’t take the bait. We were in and out within an hour and felt like we not only needed a shower from the lack of Hand Sanitizing stations but probably walked out covered in mold spores.
This place is dated, tired and in desperate need of cleaning and updating. The third floor was a joke and if the best you have is beat up brain teasing puzzle stations… just close off the third floor, to save hundreds of children from sharing bacteria and illnesses because that’s the highlight of their Brain Teaser floor — «What illness will your child start showing symptoms of in the next two weeks?»
The second floor holds their «main attraction» as the cashier called it, their fantastic light shows… and the bulk of the museum. A large section of the floor looked more like a nightclub with all the lights on during the day and was confusing. Realistically, the laser show should be apart of the admission and put on more than once a day.
The animal room was more depressing to my kids than exciting, we felt sorry for the owls «closet» size enclosures and the personnel was about as friendly and approachable as the employees at the Clerk of Courts office.
The nicest section of the museum was the Jacksonville History exhibit. Other than that, the $ 38 we paid for a family of five was more «charity» for a museum that is in need of a major overhaul.

Mosh is a fun and interactive museum. My little one loves it! We walked through a moving Dinosaur forest exhibit. Quite realistic and motion sensitive. Then we went on an archaeology expedition.
The hands on sea urchins were a hit as well. It is fun to learn about the ocean and see life size replicas of sea creatures. For a small charge you can test the hurricane simulator.
We got to see Neil Armstrong’s space suit and use space gloves to try and do simple tasks like pick up rocks.
Mosh has an extensive exhibit on the discovery and earliest inhabitants of our North Florida area.
The large room with live creatures from crickets to Owls was interesting. Everything is well labeled so you know what you are looking at.
Most areas have drawers to pull out and see more examples of what is featured such as Small skeletons, shells, and other ancient artifacts.
The last area we enjoyed was all about how our human body functions. It is interactive as well. Everyone loves trying out the futuristic robotic arms.
The gift shop is small and nice. The prices are very reasonable. There is a little treehouse play area for those five and under.

If the song, «Open the door, get on the floor, everybody walk the dinosaur» makes you smile and evokes childhood memories, then you were the prime target for Dino-​Night at The Elements of MOSH.
The Elements of MOSH is a young professional’s group that hosts creative «adult only» events every two months. July’s theme was based on the «Dinosaurs Unearthed» exhibit currently displayed at MOSH. Tickets were a steal at $ 10 and included BBQ from Mojo’s, a «Prehistoric Punch» cocktail, liquid nitrogen ice cream, and access to a fascinating planetarium show!
Animatronic dinosaurs surrounded us on the display floor at the MOSH and a GIGANTIC T-​Rex greeted the young professionals at the door and provided the perfect photo op!
The DJ was spinning classics that specifically appealed to «Generation Oregon Trail» (In between Generation X and Millennials) and we couldn’t help but dance to Ice Ice Baby while we scarfed down the pulled pork from Mojo’s!
My particular favorite of the evening was the dazzling planetarium show on our universe. It was awe-​inspiring to see our galaxy projected in three dimensions on the planetarium ceiling. Having our galaxy shrink in size and become surrounded by neighboring galaxies to the point where they all became a thick white cluster was just incredible and made me feel so insignificant. I could have watched the mesmerizing show all night!
There was also a green screen we were encouraged to pose in front of, and a ferocious dinosaur was superimposed on the image later and uploaded to Facebook. Note to self: Do NOT wear green at the next event!
Everyone flitted through the different levels educating themselves while holding a beer from Aardwolf. We merrily socialized with old friends and make new ones. I am SO glad I gave The Elements a chance and cannot wait to become a member myself! This event was Dino-​Mite!

My husband and I are kind of obsessed with science museums, seeking them out whenever we go on vacation. We’ve been a bit spoiled by the biggest and shiniest ones, is what I’m saying, but I am still a big fan of MOSH.
The permanent exhibits are neat, from walking through a mouth to start your journey to hanging out with sea animals to learning about clean energy. I also like the Florida history exhibits which are great for transplants like me to learn all the things everyone else learned in fourth grade, and the various travelling/​special exhibits like the recent GAAM videogame exhibit with neat videogame art and old-​school games to play. But even better is hanging out in the courtyard and seeing Tonca, because turtles are the best! I’m so glad to be a member of such a lovely museum. :)

As other reviewers have mentioned, anyone who grew up in this area has made many trips to MOSH. When I was little I was completely obsessed with the little water play area (it’s near the entrance). Unfortunately, they frown upon adults without kids playing in there…
Anyhoo, this is very much a museum for kids but it’s still a fun place to stroll around with friends. They have a crazy body exhibit, a cool section on recycling, and (my personal favorite) a fun animal area, among other things.
The planetarium is also fun (it’s an extra charge). They have movies, laser shows, etc on a regular basis. That is probably the best thing to do if you’re in a group without kids.
I recently joined their new young professionals group and the kickoff party was really great. I can’t wait to use my membership and see what they’ve got in the works!