Construction projects always bring challenges, but when it comes to museums, the stakes are even higher. With our large-scale expansion project already underway, we’re taking the steps to ensure our irreplaceable objects and artifacts remain pristine.

The Florida Museum houses collections requiring specific lighting, climate and storage conditions. Exhibit spaces must also be designed to be accessible for everyone. These factors make museum design and construction a highly complex process.

Every decision must ensure that collections remain unaffected by dust, vibrations, debris, fumes and construction activity. Since dust and fumes can travel through ventilation systems and potentially harm valuable collections and exhibits, barriers are placed within HVAC ductwork, electrical, and plumbing systems. Collections that are vulnerable to vibrations are taken to more stable locations where the environment can be closely monitored.

In cases where conditions can’t be controlled, artifacts must be relocated. For example, the iconic Columbian Mammoth skeleton displayed in our Central Gallery is taking a temporary trip to the Featured Exhibit Gallery to protect it while our brand-new floor is being installed. Objects designed in-house, such as the Central Gallery’s mammoth and the humpback whale skeleton suspended above The Discovery Zone, are mounted with specialized supports to facilitate safe relocations when needed.

However, some artifacts present even greater challenges. Our fossilized Cypress tree weighs over 30,000 pounds, requiring a carefully planned strategy to move safely from the fossil garden.

“Renovations are exceedingly complex when the building houses exhibits, artifact displays, fine art, expensive theatrical lighting and valuable audiovisual and media experiences requiring protection,” Dale Johnson, museum operations manager, explained. “Protecting the safety of people, artifacts and exhibits is the top priority of this project.”

Stay tuned for more exclusive peeks into this exciting construction project! And in the meantime, check out some of our Florida Museum on the Go! events bringing the museum to your community.