CSX Expands Blue Star Museum Program
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — MOCA Jacksonville, a cultural institute of the University of North Florida, has proudly partnered with CSX and Blue Star Museums to offer free admission to the families of active duty and former military and first responders from Armed Forces Day on May 17 through Veterans Day on November 11, 2025. The Blue Star Museum initiative is a collaboration between the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 2,000 museums nationwide that wish to show appreciation for military families who face multiple deployments and reintegration challenges. To support this program, CSX partnered with MOCA Jacksonville to expand this free admission opportunity to include not only active-duty military, but also former military and first responders. This year, CSX provided additional support to expand the program to run through Veterans Day, while the Blue Star program ends on Labor Day, providing more than two months of additional free access.
"We are thrilled to extend our support to military families and the first responder community through our partnership with MOCA Jacksonville. Through our signature philanthropic initiative, Pride in Service, CSX supports hundreds of thousands of active-duty, veteran, and first responder service members across our rail network, while also representing the pride the company has in serving our hometown of Jacksonville," says LaSandra Boykin, community investments director at CSX. "MOCA is a Jacksonville treasure with something for everyone to discover, and this partnership underscores our commitment to military families and first responders by providing them with free access to the enriching experiences offered at the museum. This partnership allows us to show our gratitude and ‘serve those who serve.’ Thank you for your dedication to our community and nation."
Through its commitment to community building, MOCA Jacksonville provides access to arts and educational experiences for the entire community, introduces contemporary art to thousands of students in Duval County through school tours and family programming, and supports local artists through opportunities to exhibit, teach, and enhance programming at the museum. With an ambitious program schedule, MOCA provides a platform for community discussion and debate, critical and creative thinking, and cultural exploration, while acting as a vital community convener for creative conversation. The museum team is committed to providing opportunities to connect and experiences that are welcoming, respectful, thought-provoking, and engaging.
To access this program, please bring valid military or first responder identification. Those who qualify are welcome to bring up to five family members. Learn more about visiting MOCA Jacksonville online at mocajacksonville.unf.edu.
Operational support for MOCA Jacksonville is provided by the City of Jacksonville, the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, the MOCA Jacksonville Board of Trustees, the MOCA Director's Circle, and the University of North Florida.
ABOUT CSX
CSX, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a premier transportation company. It provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services and solutions to customers across a broad array of markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products. For nearly 200 years, CSX has played a critical role in the nation's economic expansion and industrial development. Its network connects every major metropolitan area in the eastern United States, where nearly two-thirds of the nation's population resides. It also links more than 240 short-line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports with major population centers and farming towns alike. More information about CSX Corp. and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com. Like us on Facebook (http://facebook.com/OfficialCSX) and follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX).
ABOUT MOCA JACKSONVILLE
Located in the heart of historic Downtown Jacksonville, the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville is one of the city’s most significant cultural assets. MOCA is the oldest art museum in Northeast Florida and one of the first contemporary art museums to be established in the United States. In 2009, MOCA became a cultural institute of the University of North Florida and in 2025 the museum became one of only three percent of museums to achieve accreditation through the American Alliance of Museums, the highest national recognition afforded to American museums.
In 1924, a group of visionary local women artists came together to imagine the kind of city they wanted Jacksonville to be — the kind of community they wanted to live in and be a part of. At the core of their vision for a rich, vital, dynamic city were art, culture, and education. Thus, what we now call MOCA Jacksonville was born. From the beginning, MOCA has served the community and its visitors through exhibitions, educational programs, and publications designed to enhance an understanding and appreciation of art, with a current emphasis on works created from 1960 to the present.
More than a century later, MOCA’s mission remains focused on the art, artists, and ideas of our time, with a vision that unites education, creativity, and community building in the heart of downtown Jacksonville.
For more information including hours of operation, admission prices and upcoming exhibitions and programs, call 904.366.6911 or visit mocajacksonville.unf.edu.
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