Local Museum raises funds and hosts special events in celebration of the holiday season
Jacksonville, Fla. –– December 1, 2023 –– The Museum of Science & History (MOSH) today announced its second MOSH Wonderful Time of the Year campaign, featuring special promotions, events and donation opportunities.
The initiative began in 2020 as a way for the cultural institution to help make up for funds lost during the COVID-19 pandemic and to support the Museum’s ongoing efforts to serve the community through in-person and virtual programming.
This year, the Museum will once again serve as an official drop-off location for Toys for Tots. Visitors can bring new toys or books to donate to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation now through December 9th. Additionally, visitors can directly support the Museum this holiday season through its Pay It Forward membership program, an initiative that launched on Giving Tuesday and offers individuals and families an opportunity to purchase a Family Membership for just $25 that will be gifted to local families facing financial barriers.
The Museum will also host holiday themed programming during the campaign, including:
- The Bryan-Gooding Planetarium will kick off December with Mistletoe and Metallica, a laser light show on Friday, December 1. For $25, guests will get early access to the museum, laser glasses, a light show and one drink and snack ticket. This event is best suited for guests 13 years and older; more information can be found here. A Laser Holiday edition of MOSH’s Cosmic Concerts will take place on December 16 and 17 from 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
- Join the Museum for Merry Day at MOSH on Saturday, December 9 for a family-friendly festive afternoon. Guests will have the opportunity to explore the museum, experience a holiday-themed planetarium show and take a picture with Santa. All tickets include complimentary hot chocolate, access to arts and crafts stations and a take-home photo. Early bird pricing is available until December 2; more information can be found here.
- The Vagabond Flea Market is collaborating with MOSH for the first time and will host its monthly maker’s market, previously hosted in Murray Hill. MOSH will host vendors of locally handcrafted goods, unique vintage pieces, and designers of many sorts for a creatively curated holiday shopping experience. The Vagabond Flea at MOSH will take place from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday, December 21.
- In addition to the holiday themed programming, MOSH is once again offering its Winter Discovery Camps. Parents can sign their children up for the two-day experience (December 27 - 29) where campers will learn about the science and history behind myths, monsters and legends such as the Loch Ness Monster, the Kraken and more. Camps are divided for children grades K-2 and 3-5. More information can be found here.
As a special treat this holiday season, the MOSH is offering $1 admission for children aged 3 - 12 with the purchase of a full-priced adult entry ticket throughout the month of December. Up to five children’s tickets at the discounted rate can be purchased per adult ticket here.
“The team at MOSH is looking forward to finishing the year with events that engage the community, no matter how old they are,” said Bruce Fafard, CEO of MOSH. “We hope that visitors find an event that’s a perfect fit for them, and also a reason to return to MOSH next year. This new partnership with Vagabond Flea gives the community a fresh perspective of what MOSH can be. We want them to not only learn about science and history, but the makers and shakers of the city they live in now.”
To learn more about holiday programming and exhibit hours, please visit themosh.org.
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About The Museum of Science & History (MOSH)
The Museum of Science & History (MOSH) is located at 1025 Museum Circle near Friendship Park. MOSH, first chartered in 1941, inspires the joy of lifelong learning by bringing to life the sciences and regional history. Admission is $19.95 for adults; $16.95 for youth, students, active and retired military and seniors. There is no admission fee for children 2 and under or Museum Members. Learn more at themosh.org.
Museum funding is provided in part by the City of Jacksonville and the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, Inc.; State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture; and the National Endowment for the Arts; Historic Museums Grants-in-Aid Program assistance provided by the Bureau of Historical Museums, Division of Historical Resources, Florida Department of State, Secretary of State.
About Vagabond Holiday Flea at MOSH:
Located in downtown Jax on the Southbank, MOSH has been inspiring curiosity for more than 83 years, and Vagabond Flea Market is honored to be collaborating with this beloved and iconic institution to provide a timeless space for collectors of locally handcrafted goods, unique vintage pieces, and designers of many sorts to come together for the ultimate family-friendly holiday shopping experience.? Join Vagabond, MOSH and more than 40 vendors on Thursday, December 21st at this creatively curated holiday market that offers everyone a wide variety of crafts and collections from local makers in Northeast Florida.?