GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Museum of Natural History’s construction project has been restored to its original scope and funding levels, resulting in a postponed closure date. The public exhibition galleries will now close to visitors beginning Monday, March 24, 2025.

As originally envisioned, the expansion will again include construction of a new, two-story building on the west side of Powell Hall. This roughly 6,000 square-foot addition will host offices, educational spaces and the University of Florida’s Thompson Earth Systems Institute. The museum anticipates reopening in 2026.

rendering of front of building
This rendering shows the planned addition to the Florida Museum of Natural History’s façade. Plans are subject to change.

“We greatly appreciate the current University of Florida administration for generously reinstating the expansion’s funding, enabling us to achieve our original vision and build this additional space,” said Florida Museum director Douglas S. Jones. “We are excited to welcome visitors further into spring, staying open longer for the community to enjoy.”

With the $10 million increase, UF leadership has restored the project’s budget to $30 million.

In addition to creating a new wing, the extensive and much-needed front expansion will proceed as initially planned. This includes the establishment of an updated modern façade, new state-of-the-art exhibition and learning spaces, upgraded outdoor picnic table area, and a larger collector’s shop.

rendering
This rendering shows the upgrades to the Florida Museum of Natural History’s lobby and Collector’s Shop. Plans are subject to change.

All permanent exhibits, including the “Butterfly Rainforest,” will be open through March 23. The featured exhibit gallery space remains under renovation. The museum looks forward to hosting a new traveling exhibit after construction is completed.

The Florida Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

The expansion is designed by Ennead Architects of New York, New York and the general contractor is Scorpio Construction of Gainesville, Florida.

For more information about the project, visit www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/visit/expansion.

rendering of building and trees
The roughly 6,000 square-foot addition to the west side of Powell Hall will host offices, educational spaces and the University of Florida’s Thompson Earth Systems Institute. Plans are subject to change.

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Source: Douglas S. Jones, dsjones@flmnh.ufl.edu
Media Contact: Kaitlin Gardiner, kgardiner@floridamuseum.ufl.edu