Design and Construction Report staff writer
Work on a $30 million expansion to the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville will begin in the spring.
The expansion/renovation project, originally scheduled to start in January, is designed by New York City-based Ennead Architects. Gainesville-based Scorpio Construction is the general contractor, reports the Gainesville Sun.
The project originally had a $20 million budget. The museum will reopen in 2026.
“We are excited to welcome visitors further into spring, staying open longer for the community to enjoy,” communications manager Kaitlin Gardiner told the newspaper. “While the physical museum at Powell Hall will temporarily close after March 23, 2025, we look forward to bringing expanded engagement opportunities to audiences outside our walls for the duration of construction.”
The project includes the construction of a two-story, 6,000-sq. ft. building on the west side of Powell Hall to house educational spaces and UF’s Thompson Earth Systems Institute.
Other updates include an expanded front entrance with an updated modern façade, a larger collectors shop, new state-of-the-art exhibition and learning spaces, and an upgraded outdoor picnic table area.
“A new, interactive exhibit space will focus on the Thompson Earth Systems Institute (TESI) and will help Floridians to become good stewards of the state’s natural heritage,” Gardiner said.
As well, the museum’s lobby area, front desk and restrooms in the Central Gallery also will be renovated. The Fossil Plant Garden will be incorporated into the new exhibit space.
