Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI)

Tampa, Florida: The Tampa Museum of Science and Industry, more commonly known as MOSI is a hands-on science museum located near the University of South Florida in Tampa. The museum is home to hundreds of exhibits and Florida’s only IMAX dome theater. MOSI is the largest science museum in the Southeast United States and the fifth largest in the United States.

The history of a science museum dates back to 1962 when Hillsborough County created a youth science museum in Sulfur Springs called the Museum of Science and Natural History. The museum continued to grow and in1967 it was renamed the Hillsborough County Museum.

As the museum continued to grow and develop, it quickly outgrew its location and needed a new home. So in 1976, the county approved funding to construct a new museum. A site was selected in North Tampa and construction began on the new state of the art facility. The construction was completed in 1980, the new Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) opened to the public in 1982.

In 1987, the board of directors established an expansion plan which would allow the museum to grow with the changing times. They made land purchase to help expand the campus to 74 acres and put together a phased expansion to the site. Phase I of the plan was completed in 1995 and included the IMAX dome, planetarium and public library. Phase II was in 1996 added a learning center, nature center and Butterfly Garden. The 2005 Phase III edition added the children’s science center.

Today MOSI features over 400,000 square feet of exhibit space that has over 450 hands-on exhibits. Some of the exhibits that can be found here are:
  • Diplodocus Dinosaur- three story tall dinosaur skeleton.
  • MaxFlight Simulator- flight simulator.
  • DisasterVille- exhibits focusing on natural disasters.
  • WeatherQuest- behind the scenes look at meteorology.
  • The Amazing You– exhbitis that highlight the cycle of human development.
  • Saunders Planetarium- dome planetarium.
  • Science Works Theater- rotating collection of 3-D science films.
  • Kids in Charge- kids science museum with hands-on interactions.
  • Back Woods Forest Preserve- 25 acre wilderness preserve with trails. Butterfly Garden
  • IMAX Theater
In addition to the permanent exhibits, MOSI hosts special events throughout the year.

MOSI is accredited by the American Association of Museums,

Click on the photo above to view the MOSI photo gallery.

Updated May 7, 2011

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Photo of the Day: Disney's Hollywood Studios

Image
  For many years, a towering, iconic Sorcerer's Hat served as the unmistakable central landmark for Disney's Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM Studios), drawing visitors deep into the park's vibrant heart. The hat, an enormous, three-dimensional representation of the magical cap worn by Mickey Mouse in his role as the Sorcerer's Apprentice from the classic film Fantasia , was initially erected as a centerpiece for the park's 100 Years of Magic celebration, honoring the centennial of Walt Disney's birth. Its prominent placement quickly cemented its status. Much like the instantly recognizable icons of the other Walt Disney World theme parks—Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom, the geodesic sphere of Spaceship Earth at EPCOT, and the intricately carved Tree of Life at Disney's Animal Kingdom—the Sorcerer's Hat became the park's most famous symbol and a favored backdrop for countless visitor photographs. Its design featured bold colors, stars, and the moon...
Read more

Photo of the Day: New York City

Image
Along the perimeter of Central Park, nestled within the vibrant core of New York City, stands a collection of the city's most architecturally significant and historic luxurious apartment buildings. These iconic addresses are more than just residences; they are meticulously preserved monuments that pay homage to a bygone era of Gilded Age splendor and pre-war elegance, maintaining their original magnificence and grandeur.  A premier example of these exceptional homes is The Beresford. Completed in 1929, this legendary co-op on Central Park West is instantly recognizable by its distinctive trio of massive copper towers and is celebrated for its imposing scale and sophisticated design. Conceived by the renowned architect Emery Roth, The Beresford stands as a testament to the period's commitment to lavish detail, expansive layouts, and unparalleled exclusivity. It offers residents breathtaking panoramic views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline, cementing its status not just ...
Read more

Visiting the Florida Holocaust Museum: A Powerful and Reflective Experience

Image
St Petersburg, Florida: Located in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg, the Florida Holocaust Museum is one of the largest institutions of its kind in the United States, dedicated to preserving the memory of the Holocaust and educating future generations about the dangers of hatred and intolerance. Founded in 1992 by Holocaust survivors Walter and Edith Lobenberg, the museum has grown into a deeply moving cultural and educational destination that encourages visitors to reflect on history while promoting a more compassionate future.  Overview of the Museum  The museum’s core exhibit, “History, Heritage, and Hope,” takes visitors on a chronological journey through the Holocaust, beginning with the roots of antisemitism and continuing through the rise of Nazi Germany, World War II, and eventual liberation. The experience is largely self-guided, allowing visitors to move at their own pace while engaging with photographs, personal artifacts, and survivor testimonies.  One o...
Read more