At 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 29, the Museum of Arts & Sciences (MOAS) officially closed its buildings to daily public admission, marking the end of an era, and the beginning of an ambitious transformation into the future home of The Cici & Hyatt Brown Museum of Art, Science & History, also known as The
Brown.

In the final days leading up to closure, the Museum experienced an outpouring of community support, with visitors returning to walk the galleries, revisit favorite exhibits, and share memories built over generations.

That final week served as a powerful reminder of the Museum’s role in the cultural life of the region and highlighted the importance of what comes next.

“This moment is both deeply meaningful and incredibly energizing,” said Tabitha Schmidt, CEO of the Museum. “We are closing our buildings to the public—but we are not stepping away from our mission. In fact, this is what allows us to move forward in a way that honors our past while building something extraordinary for the future.”

Why the Museum of Arts and Sciences Buildings Closed

The closure allows the Museum to begin a critical, large-scale Collections project, which is an essential step in preparing for the next phase of development.

Over the coming months, the Museum’s Curatorial team will undertake a comprehensive inventory of more than 30,000 objects in its care. This work includes cataloging, photographing, completing detailed condition reports, and carefully packing and custom crating each piece—a meticulous process designed to safeguard the collection during relocation and ensure its preservation for generations to come.

“This is the kind of work that happens behind the scenes but is foundational to everything a museum does,” Schmidt said. “It ensures that our collections are not only protected, but also better understood, more accessible, and ready to be experienced in new and meaningful ways when we reopen.”

A New Vision Taking Shape

The closure of the current buildings is part of a broader transformation that will reimagine the Museum’s campus and visitor experience.

Plans include a new building along Nova Road that will connect to what is currently known as the Cici & Hyatt Brown Museum of Art in order to create a cohesive, expanded cultural destination. The project will also incorporate access to Tuscawilla Preserve in a more strategic and sustainable way, enhancing the connection between art, science, history, and the natural environment.

While the institution will transition to its new identity as The Brown, the legacy of the Museum of Arts & Sciences remains central to its story. The new name reflects both the Museum’s evolution and the historic investment that is making this transformation possible.

More information about the project, including the inspiration behind the name and logo, is available at www.moasfuture.org.

Still Active, Still Present in the Community

Although the Museum’s buildings are now closed to daily public admission, its work continues through programs, partnerships, and experiences throughout the community.

In the coming months, the Museum will bring its programming directly to the public through partnerships with organizations such as Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the Ocean Center, and the Daytona Beach Shores Community Center.

The first of these programs will take place on April 21 at the Daytona Beach Shores Community Center, featuring Senior Curator of History Zach Zacharias. Known for his engaging storytelling and deep knowledge of Florida history, Zacharias will present a fascinating look at Audubon art by exploring the artistry, intrigue, and unexpected stories behind one of the most iconic names in American natural history.

“This is just the beginning,” Schmidt said. “We are taking the Museum into the community in new ways, meeting people where they are, and continuing to deliver the experiences and learning opportunities they expect from us.”

Planetarium Programming Continues

The Lohman Planetarium will remain active, offering select ticketed events throughout the transition period. While daily walk-in shows have paused, these special programs will continue to provide immersive experiences for audiences of all ages.

Staying Connected Through Membership

The Museum is also introducing new ways for members to stay engaged during this time, including a monthly Member Meet-Up series designed to bring supporters together for unique, behind-the-scenes experiences and updates.

Community members are encouraged to join as members to remain closely connected to the Museum throughout its transformation. Details on upcoming programs, events, and membership opportunities will be announced in the coming months.

Looking Ahead

As the Museum moves into this next phase, updates on the project and construction progress will be shared at http://www.moasfuture.org, while information on community programs and Planetarium events can be found at www.thebrownmuseum.org.

“This is not a pause. It’s a pivot,” Schmidt said. “We are building something that will serve this community for generations to come. And we invite everyone to be part of that journey.”