Museum of Florida History closed till late 2026; state launches survey for exhibit ideas
With the Museum of Florida History not expected to reopen in the next two years, Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd wants the public to help develop new ideas for the museum to suggest what the focus of displays illustrating the state’s history should be.
The museum is housed under the R. A. Gray Building, a block west of the state Capitol, and has been closed since 2022 for repairs to the front plaza along Bronough Street.
Operated and staffed by the Department of State's Division of Cultural Affairs, the museum uses a 27,000-square-foot-gallery and 3,000 square feet of changing exhibition space to display exhibits and artifacts unique to Florida history from the prehistoric era to the mid-20th century. It attracts more than 55,000 visitors annually.
Water was leaking from the structure and threatened to damage the 46,800 artifacts – some thousands of years old – stored below.
Officials moved the museum’s collection to a safe location while repairs are made.
The museum opened in 1977 and collects artifacts unique to Florida and creates displays of different eras to illustrate the role Floridians played in national and international events.
Work to strengthen and waterproof the plaza will continue into 2026. With the project approaching the halfway point, Byrd said he wanted to take the time to explore with the public, “new ideas, exhibits, and areas of focus” for the Museum.
The department is conducting an online survey of what people like, expect, and want from a museum dedicated to the state’s history.
The survey runs through April 30 at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MFHStakeholder24
It asks respondents why they visit museums, their interest in lectures and presentations, and includes questions like whether they have encountered any accessibility issues.
Respondents are asked to draw from visits to historical and cultural sites they have found inspiring and their experiences at the museum in Tallahassee.
“It’s an opportunity to shape the museum's future,” said Lisa Barton, director of state historical museums.
Responses will inform plans for future exhibits and the redesign of space when the Museum of Florida History reopens.
The Legislature appropriated $10 million to begin the project, but more funding will almost certainly be needed. Final plans for the renovation have yet to be completed and will factor into the project’s total cost.
Work is expected to be completed in late 2026, after which the museum will reopen.
James Call is a member of the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at jcall@tallahassee.com and is on X as @CallTallahassee.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Museum of Florida History closed till late 2026; state launches survey
