The future has a new name. From Hidden Gem to Crown Jewel: Welcome to The Brown.

Around the world, the most iconic museums are known by names that carry legacy, vision, and cultural power. The Guggenheim. The Getty. The Pérez. These institutions were once known by entirely different names, but, over time, their identitie evolved to reflect the transformational philanthropy and bold futures that shaped them.

On December 1, the Museum of Arts & Sciences (MOAS) stepped into that same tradition. In a historic announcement before donors, civic leaders, and community partners, the museum revealed its new name — The Cici & Hyatt Brown Museum of Art, Science & History, also known as The Brown — marking the beginning of a transformational new era for one of Florida’s most significant cultural institutions.

Before an audience of donors, community leaders, and elected officials, MOAS revealed the new brand identity, architectural concepts for its future campus, and an inspiring vision for the decades ahead. Through an eight-minute cinematic presentation, attendees witnessed the bold future of a museum poised to redefine how art, science, and history come together in Central Florida.

A New Name Fueled by Extraordinary Philanthropy

Cici and Hyatt Brown have already contributed $75 million to the museum’s future. The community is now being asked to raise $25 million, which the Browns have pledged to match at a 3-to-1 ratio, unlocking an additional $75 million. When combined, these efforts position the museum for a transformative investment of $175 million, funding the creation of the new museum and strengthening its long-term endowment—an unprecedented
opportunity for cultural advancement in the Southeast.

Board Chair Andy Watts captured the magnitude of what this moment represents for the region. “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 United States and the destination of choice.”

As the architectural renderings and new name were unveiled, attendees saw firsthand the scale and ambition of the project—one designed not just to build a museum, but to establish a cultural landmark that will elevate an entire community’s artistic, scientific, and historical reach.

Joe Tattoni, Design Principal at ikon.5 architects and the project’s lead architect, described the vision this way:

“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 underscores the museum’s commitment to creating a campus where the building itself becomes part of the storytelling—an experience designed to inspire wonder for generations to come. Philanthropist Cici Brown expressed her own sense of awe at what is to come. “If I walked up to this new museum and saw it for the first time… wow, it’s breathtaking. I think that 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.”

From Hidden Gem to Crown Jewel

The museum, with exception to special ticketed events at the Planetarium, will close to the public on March 29, 2026, allowing construction to begin on a reimagined cultural campus. The new building is anticipated to open in Fall 2028 and will unify the museum’s offerings under an iconic architectural landmark.

CEO Tabitha Schmidt reflected on the significance of this transformation. “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.”

Staying Connected Through Construction: Framing the Future

While the physical museum undergoes its transformation, MOAS remains deeply active and visible in the community through Framing the Future, a multi year initiative designed to maintain relevance, educational impact, and visibility during the closure period.

Programs continuing throughout the transition include:

Museum in Motion — a mobile outreach van offering hands-on learning across Volusia County

Lohman Field Study Program — standards-based lessons for local students

Summer Learning Institute — week-long STEAM experiences

Planetarium Programming — ongoing shows and special events in the Lohman
Planetarium

Member-Only Events — curated experiences offered in partnership with local
organizations

Framing the Future Newsletter — updates on construction progress and community engagement

These efforts ensure that, even as the physical building undergoes its historic transformation, the museum’s mission remains fully alive and visible.

A Catalyst for Regional Growth and Tourism

Community leaders highlighted the profound economic and cultural importance of the project.

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 in our community.”

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.”

Stay Informed Throughout the Transformation

As The Cici & Hyatt Brown Museum of Art, Science & History takes shape, the museum enters a bold new era defined by vision, community, and possibility. This transformation is not just about a new building. It is about creating a cultural destination that inspires learning, sparks imagination, and strengthens the fabric of Volusia County for generations to come. MOAS invites the community to follow every milestone, explore the evolving plans, and take part in this historic journey at MOASFuture.org, where the future of The Brown continues to unfold.