Florida Museum welcomes visitors back Nov. 23
Following a large-scale construction project, the Florida Museum of Natural History is delighted to reopen the Ken and Linda McGurn Exhibition Hall to the public on Monday, Nov. 23.
“We are so excited to share this beloved museum with the public again,” said Florida Museum Interim Director David Reed. “Nearly every part of the museum has been upgraded in some way. Some changes you’ll notice immediately, while others are more subtle. But don’t worry, all your favorite features are still here.”
Guests will be greeted by a new façade inspired by the state’s natural textures, from reptile scales to limestone, before stepping into a completely redesigned lobby and an expanded gift shop with more space and new selections of merchandise. The classrooms, information desk, outdoor picnic area and restrooms have also been renovated and modernized.
The new, free “Jack and Tifi Bierley Inspire Gallery” highlights the value of science and the importance of life on Earth through hands-on discovery. Visitors can explore at their own pace with activity kits featuring interactive games and natural history specimens or engage with the planet in real-time through the NASA-designed Eyes on the Earth interactive and NOAA’s Science On a Sphere® Explorer®.
The dedicated Daniel R. and Kathleen Hayman “Science Up-Close” section will feature opportunities for visitors to interact with scientists and educators, building on the success and unique nature of “Fantastic Fossils” and “Incredible Insects,” which introduced the concept. This presentation space will support live demonstrations, informal conversations and up-close encounters with real museum specimens, giving visitors unique opportunities to explore research, engage with UF experts and gain a deeper understanding of science in action.
“Part of our mission at the Florida Museum is to make University of Florida research relatable to everyday life. In our new space, visitors will see scientists up close explaining the importance of their research to the people of Florida,” Reed said. “By bridging the gap between scientists and the public, we can create meaningful engagement, helping children to see themselves as scientists and expanding their career opportunities.”
